In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the 2024 Appropriation Bill of Rivers State null and void. The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho on Monday, held that the budget was invalid due to improper presentation before the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The court, recognizing Martin Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly, criticized Governor Fubara for his interference in the legislative affairs of the state. It ruled that Governor Fubara acted unconstitutionally by redeploying the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Rivers State Assembly, emphasizing that the governor lacked the statutory authority to interfere with the assembly’s operations.
Justice Omotosho highlighted that the conditions specified in Section 11 of the 1999 Constitution, which would warrant the National Assembly taking over legislative affairs in Rivers State, had not occurred. Consequently, the court issued an injunction restraining Governor Fubara from obstructing the operations of the Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership.
The court further barred the defendants from entertaining any requests from Governor Fubara to take over the functions of the Rivers State Assembly and from proceeding with plans to demolish the Assembly complex. Additionally, it ordered the release of all funds standing to the credit of the Assembly.
READ ALSO: Burna Boy to make history as 1st African artist to Perform live at 2024 Grammys
Defendants in the case included various national and state government officials, reflecting the complex dynamics surrounding the legislative dispute in Rivers State.
This legal development stems from a complex political situation, including a strained relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, leading to a factionalized Rivers State House of Assembly. Despite a peace pact signed between Fubara and Wike, tensions persisted, resulting in the court’s intervention and the subsequent nullification of the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The court’s decision adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Rivers State.”**
