Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja has invalidated the presentation and passage of the Rivers State 2024 Budget by four members of the State House of Assembly. The court ordered Governor Siminalaye Fubara to represent the budget to the legally constituted House of Assembly under the Speakership of Martin Amaewhule.
This decision came as a result of a suit filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the National Assembly. Justice Omotosho resolved all issues in dispute in favor of the former governor Nyesom Wike’s loyalists.
The court further restrained Governor Fubara from interfering with the affairs of the House of Assembly under Amaewhule and voided the withholding of the House of Assembly funds. The redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk was set aside, and they were ordered to resume office immediately without restrictions. Governor Fubara was also directed to release all funds to Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
Moreover, the Inspector General of Police was mandated to provide adequate security to the Speaker and House of Assembly Members loyal to Wike. The National Assembly was barred from taking over the Rivers State House of Assembly or treating any request from Governor Fubara.
