The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of the Motion on Notice filed by the House of Assembly and the factional speaker, Ehie Ogerenye Edison.

Ruling on a motion ex-parte, Justice Phoebe Ayuba ordered that none of the parties on record should take any action that will be sub-judice.

The applicants sought a declaration that the factional speaker, Martin Chike Amaewhule, and his deputy, Dumle Maol, having been suspended, are not entitled to participate, disturb, interfere or obstruct the performance of the legislative proceedings of the House.

They also sought an order restraining the two “former” principal officers from interfering or participating in the functions of the House of Assembly.

The Inspector General of the Police and the Director of the State Security Service are also parties.

The applicants filed the suit marked FHC /PH/CS/234/2023 through their lawyer, Eric Omare.

Justice Ayuba ordered: “That an order is made directing the plaintiffs/applicants to put the respondents on notice forthwith.

“That an order is, however, made, directing that all parties on record respect the court and should not take any step concerning the subject matter in this matter, since the matter is already before this court – sub judice – pending the hearing and determination of Motion on Notion.”

The motion on notice is fixed for a hearing on November 27.