The legal battles over the defection of 25 State lawmakers in Rivers State from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have taken a new turn with the transfer of the cases.
The cases, previously under the jurisdiction of Justice Steven Dalyop Pam at Federal High Court 4, Port Harcourt, have now been reassigned to court two, presided over by Justice E. O. Obele.
Advertorial
Confusion ensued among journalists and lawyers yesterday morning when they arrived at court four only to discover that the cases had been moved to a different court.
Senior Advocates of Nigeria involved in the matter were notably absent from court four, prompting inquiries that revealed the transfer had occurred the previous day.
This development follows a petition submitted by Hon. Martins Amaewhule, a defendant in the matter, to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho.
Advertorial
Amaewhule requested the transfer of the cases, prompting the decision to reassign them to another judicial officer.
The cases involve two separate suits: one initiated by the BOOT Party and others (suit number FHC/PHC/269/2024) and another by a Civil Society Organization in Rivers State.
Both suits challenge the defection of the lawmakers to the APC.
During the court proceedings on Monday, Justice Steven Dalyop Pam acknowledged Amaewhule’s petition, which sought to halt further proceedings pending the transfer of the cases.
The presiding judge noted that the petitioner had not provided a motion or counter affidavit and had not informed the plaintiffs of his actions.
Counsel representing the BOOT Party, Mr. Reuben Wanogho, urged the court to disregard the petition, arguing it was an attempt to delay proceedings.
However, Ferdinand Orbi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing the defendants, expressed ignorance of the petition but requested the court to respect Amaewhule’s request if it was addressed to the Chief Judge.
Justice Pam ultimately ruled to proceed with the hearing of motions for joinder, indicating the court’s intention to continue with the case despite the transfer request.
