Breaking: Appeal Court gives final judgement on order restraining pro-Wike lawmakers from parading selves as Rivers Assembly members

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 5 years of experience covering metro and government policy

FCT, Abuja - The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has voided the order restraining the 25 members of the Rivers House of Assembly from further parading themselves as members of the Assembly and conducting legislative businesses.

The three-member panel of the appellate court held that the Rivers State High Court lacked the power/jurisdiction to hear the case.

The appeal court held that the state high court lacked the power/jurisdiction to hear the case. Photo credit: @DeeOneAyekooto/@OfficialPDPNig
Source: Twitter

The judges held that the case bordered on whether or not the seats of the lawmakers, who allegedly defected, were vacant or their terms had ceased, The Nation reports.

The lawmakers loyal to the FCT minister allegedly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC)

PAY ATTENTION: Share your outstanding story with our editors! Please reach us through info@corp.legit.ng!

The court held that, by the provision of Section 273(3) of the Constitution, it is only the Federal High Court that has the jurisdiction to determine whether or not the seat of a lawmaker is vacant or his term of office has ceased.

Source: Legit.ng