10th October, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
In a stunning blow to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has reaffirmed Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
An unanimous judgment by a three-member panel dismissed Fubara‘s appeal, citing a lack of merit.
The appellate court upheld the January 22 judgment of the Federal High Court, which nullified the 2024 N800 million Rivers State budget due to Fubara’s failure to present it to the State Assembly as required by law.
The court chastised Fubara for disregarding the rule of law, emphasising that his actions constituted a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution.
The court highlighted two critical errors by Fubara, which include presenting the 2024 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to only four out of 31 Assembly members, a clear breach of constitutional requirements and withdrawing the counter-affidavit filed to challenge Amaewhule-led lawmakers’ validity, effectively conceding to the claims against him.
This ruling marks a significant triumph for Amaewhule and his supporters, solidifying his position as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The decision also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to the rule of law in governance.
