The Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal has ordered all parties involved in the House of Assembly crisis in the state to maintain the status quo and refrain from further actions.
The order, issued on Friday, stems from a suit filed by Hon. Martins Chike Amaewhule and 24 others against Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and five other defendants.
The 25 pro-Wike lawmakers, had been barred from legislative activities by an interlocutory injunction of the state high court in May.
Justice Charles N. Wali, ruled that their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023 resulted in their automatic loss of Assembly seats.
The 25 lawmakers challenged this decision in the Court of Appeal. In response to their appeal (CA/PH/198/2024), a man appeal panel led by Justice Jimi Olukayode Bada has issued a temporary order.
This order urged both the pro-Wike faction and the faction led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo to maintain the current situation (status quo) and avoid any further actions until the appeal is heard.
The case was adjourned until June 20 for further proceedings.