Rivers crisis: Court extends injunction halting action against 26 defecting lawmakers

The interim order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from taking any action against the 26 Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, has been extended by Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Following a motion by the lawmakers’ attorney, Steve Adehi, Justice Okorowo extended the order.

He ruled that the court has the discretionary power to grant the plea in the interest of justice under Order 26, Rule 10 of the Federal High Court.

The judge stated that the grounds offered by lawyers for the MPs convinced him that granting the injunction would be in the best interests of justice.

Justice Okorowo then deferred the case until January 24 for a hearing.