Rivers State Governor Fubara Cleared to Spend State Funds as Court Rejects Motion
In a recent decision, a Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a bid to halt all expenditures by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, pending the hearing and determination of a suit filed by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers Assembly. The court’s ruling allows Governor Fubara to continue spending state funds until the case is resolved.
The lawsuit was brought by the Amaewhule-led House, which had previously given Governor Fubara a seven-day ultimatum to present the 2024 budget before the House. The ultimatum expired, prompting the House to vote to freeze the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Account, effectively preventing Fubara’s administration from making state expenditures.
However, the court’s decision to reject the motion means that Governor Fubara can continue to use public funds in the interim. The court’s ruling was based on the fact that the governor’s actions did not breach the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The dispute between Governor Fubara and the Amaewhule-led House has been ongoing, with the latter accusing the former of violating the Constitution. However, the court’s decision to allow Governor Fubara to continue spending state funds indicates that the legal system is not in favor of halting the governor’s financial activities.
The ruling has sparked concerns among Rivers State indigenes and Nigerians, who are worried about the impact of the ongoing feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, on the state’s economy and investment climate.
As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen how the court will ultimately rule on the substantive issues raised in the lawsuit. However, for now, Governor Fubara has been given the green light to continue spending state funds, much to the chagrin of his political opponents.
