RIVERS STATE HIGH COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF GOVERNOR FUBARA, ALLOWS TRANSACTION WITH THREE LAWMAKERS

A Rivers State High Court has delivered a landmark judgment, ruling that Governor Siminialayi Fubara can transact business with three lawmakers who did not vacate their seats in the State House of Assembly. The decision was made by Justice Sika Aprioku on December 20, 2024, as he dismissed a suit seeking to compel the governor to present the 2024 budget to the 27 lawmakers led by Martins Amaewhule.

The court’s ruling has significant implications for the governance of Rivers State, as it allows Governor Fubara to work with the three lawmakers who have not been affected by the ongoing leadership crisis in the State House of Assembly.

In his judgment, Justice Aprioku stated that Governor Fubara can work with the properly constituted House of Assembly led by Oko-Jumbo, just like former Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike presented budgets and financial bills with only six members when the assembly’s numbers fell below two-thirds of the 32 members.

The judge also noted that until the Supreme Court resolves the jurisdiction issue affecting the status of the 27 lawmakers who defected and lost their seats, Governor Fubara can only approach those who have not vacated their seats to present the budget, appoint Chief Judges, and make Board appointments.

The ruling is a major victory for Governor Fubara, who has been facing opposition from the 27 lawmakers led by Martins Amaewhule. The lawmakers had sought to compel the governor to present the 2024 budget to them, but the court’s decision has effectively blocked their attempt.

REACTIONS FROM STAKEHOLDERS

Stakeholders in Rivers State have reacted to the court’s ruling, with some hailing the decision as a victory for democracy and others criticizing it as a setback for the state’s legislative process.

Governor Fubara’s supporters have welcomed the ruling, saying it will enable the governor to effectively govern the state and implement his policies.

“This ruling is a victory for democracy and the people of Rivers State,” said a spokesperson for Governor Fubara. “It will enable the governor to work effectively with the State House of Assembly and implement his policies for the benefit of the state.”

However, the 27 lawmakers led by Martins Amaewhule have criticized the ruling, saying it is a setback for the state’s legislative process.

“We are disappointed by the court’s ruling, which we believe is a setback for the state’s legislative process,” said Martins Amaewhule. “We will appeal the decision and continue to fight for the rights of the people of Rivers State.”

The court’s ruling has set the stage for a new phase in the governance of Rivers State, with Governor Fubara now free to work with the three lawmakers who have not vacated their seats. However, the opposition from the 27 lawmakers led by Martins Amaewhule is likely to continue, setting the stage for further political battles in the state.