The Court of Appeal in Abuja, Nigeria has affirmed Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, while also nullifying the state’s 2024 budget.
In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel on Thursday, October 10, 2024, the court dismissed an appeal filed by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, ruling that his appeal lacked merit.
The court upheld an earlier ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, which declared the N800 million 2024 Rivers State budget invalid. According to the court, the budget was unlawfully passed as it was not presented before the full House, in violation of constitutional requirements.
“The governor’s decision to present the Appropriation Bill to only four out of 31 members of the Assembly is a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution,” the court ruled. The panel further reprimanded Governor Fubara, noting, “This action disregards the rule of law and undermines democratic processes.”
Governor Fubara’s earlier withdrawal of a counter-affidavit challenging a suit filed by Amaewhule and his group of lawmakers was also noted by the court, signaling his implicit agreement with their claims.
The case has sparked political tensions within the state, as Amaewhule and Fubara’s factions continue to vie for control of the Assembly. The court’s decision is expected to influence ongoing debates surrounding governance and adherence to constitutional mandates in Rivers State.
Details of the judgment and its implications are expected to unfold in the coming days.
