EKO HOT BLOG reports that a three-member panel of Justices dismissed an appeal by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who had challenged Amaewhule’s leadership.
The ruling reaffirmed an earlier Federal High Court decision that nullified the Rivers State 2024 budget, as it was presented before an unrecognized Assembly faction.
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The court criticized Governor Fubara for presenting the ₦800 billion 2024 budget to only four out of 31 Assembly members, led by Hon. Edison Ehie, in violation of Section 91 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates proper legislative representation.
This faction, consisting of anti-Wike legislators, had declared the seats of 26 pro-Wike lawmakers vacant, claiming their defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) warranted their removal.
Governor Fubara’s actions were seen as undermining his own position, particularly after he withdrew a counter-affidavit meant to challenge Amaewhule’s faction. The court deemed this a significant misstep, effectively validating the legitimacy of Amaewhule’s leadership.
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The appellate court also condemned the governor’s interference in legislative matters, including the demolition of the Assembly complex and the redeployment of its Clerk and Deputy Clerk, labeling these actions unconstitutional. The court ruled that the budget presented by the Ehie-led faction was void and issued an injunction preventing Governor Fubara from obstructing the Assembly’s operations under Amaewhule’s leadership.
In its decision, the court imposed a fine of ₦500,000 on Fubara, payable to each respondent, further reinforcing Amaewhule’s position as the lawful Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly.
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