Court overturns order barring Amaewhuele and 24 others from parading as lawmakers.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the Rivers State High Court’s expulsion of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from the House of Assembly.

A three-member panel of the appellate court ruled that the lower court lacked authority to issue the exparte ruling.

The court ruled that Section 272(3) of the Constitution allows the Federal High Court the authority to evaluate whether a House of Assembly member’s seat has become empty.

It ruled that the Federal High Court has exclusive authority to assess whether seats have become empty.

According to the court, the precise reference of the Federal High Court in Section 272(3) of the Constitution precludes the state high courts from having jurisdiction.

The appellate court ruled that the exparte order, which was issued without jurisdiction, is null and invalid.