The High Court of Rivers State has issued an interim injunction in a high-profile case involving members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The injunction was granted by Hon. Justice Dr. D. Jumbo Stephens following a motion ex parte hearing and the supporting affidavit of Mrs. Ibwari Clapton Ogolo.
The court order, dated July 8, 2024, and filed at the High Court Registry in Port Harcourt, addresses several key issues:
1. Restraining Order: The court has issued an order restraining the 31st and 32nd defendants from dealing with or receiving any resolutions, articles of impeachment, or other documents from the 1st to 27th defendants as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This order remains in effect pending the determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
2. Status Quo Maintenance: All parties involved in the suit are directed to maintain the status quo as of July 5, 2024, until the hearing and determination of the interlocutory injunction motion.
3. Substituted Service: The court has ordered substituted service of the originating and other processes in the suit on the 1st to 30th defendants by pasting the same at the gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters, opposite the former NDDC headquarters, off Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
4. Adjournment: The matter is adjourned to July 15, 2024, for the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
The case, identified as Suit No. PHC/2177/CS/2024, lists the Attorney-General and Governor of Rivers State as claimants/applicants. The defendants include 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and other key figures such as the Speaker of the House, the Clerk of the Assembly, and the Chief Judge of Rivers State, as well as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The injunction aims to preserve the current state of affairs within the Rivers State House of Assembly and prevent any actions that could alter the existing dynamics until the court has had the opportunity to fully review the matter. This development is expected to have significant implications for the governance and legislative processes within the state.
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