The Abuja Federal High Court has nullified the N800bn Rivers State 2024 Budget presented by state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in a sitting held on Monday January 22.
In his judgment, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the Rivers State 2024 Appropriation Bill “was invalid as it was not properly presented before the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
The court also asserted its recognition of Martin Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly, faulting Governor Fubara for “meddling in the affairs of the state’s legislative organ.”
The court further held that Governor Siminalayi Fubara acted unconstitutionally when he redeployed the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Rivers State Assembly.
It will be recalled that the ongoing issue was precipitated by political infighting between opposing camps loyal to Governor Fubara or his predecessor Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of FCT.
During the infighting, Fubara sidelined the Amaewhule-led faction whom the Federal High Court now recognizes as the authentic speaker of the State House of Assembly, due to their perceived status as Wike loyalists.
Following the attempted demolition of the State House of Assembly complex, the court barred Governor Fubara from proceeding with the demolition and ordered the release of all funds outstanding to be credited to the Assembly.
The court also issued an order of injunction, which restrained Amaewhule from entertaining any request from Fubara to take over any constitutional or legislative function of the State Assembly.
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