The 2024 Appropriation Bill of Rivers State has been invalidated by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice James Omotosho, in a Monday judgment, declared the budget invalid, citing improper presentation before the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The court recognized Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker, criticizing Governor Fubara for unconstitutional interference in the legislative organ by redeploying the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Rivers State Assembly.
Justice Omotosho emphasized that the governor lacks the statutory authority to interfere with the operations of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court, referring to Section 11 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, stated that conditions allowing the National Assembly to take over Rivers State legislative affairs have not occurred. An injunction was issued, restraining Governor Fubara from obstructing the Assembly’s operations under Amaewhule’s leadership as speaker.
The court also barred Fubara from demolishing the Assembly complex and ordered the release of funds. Defendants included the National Assembly, Senate President, and Governor Fubara. The dispute originated from a strained relationship between Fubara and his predecessor, Minister Nyesom Wike, leading to factionalization of the Assembly. Despite a peace pact, Fubara had not fulfilled the Amaewhule-led faction’s request to represent the 2024 appropriation bill for approval.
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