By Daniel Abia

P/Harcourt – A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has adjourned proceedings to April 30, 2025, for the adoption of processes in a case filed by Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, and two others.

The applicants seek to declare the seats of embattled Speaker Martin Amaewhule and 26 others vacant following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During the hearing, lead counsel for the applicants, Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN), informed the court that the defense team, led by Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), had filed new counter-affidavits via WhatsApp on February 15. Ali noted that his team filed a response on February 17.

Orbih requested an adjournment to allow time to review the extensive filings, a request granted by Justice Emmanuel Obile. The judge stated that the court would await the Supreme Court’s decision on related cases involving the Rivers State government before proceeding.

Counsel for the Rivers State Government, Dagogo Iboroma (SAN), confirmed the adjournment and noted the case concerns the December 11, 2023, defection of 27 lawmakers.