Governor Fubara Takes Rivers Assembly Crisis to Supreme Court After Appeal Court Ruling

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Governor Siminalayi Fubara has vowed to challenge the Appeal Court’s ruling that nullified the state’s N800 billion 2024 budget and declared Martins Amaewhule as the rightful speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Background

The crisis began when Amaewhule, backed by former Governor Nyesom Wike, defected to the opposition party and claimed the speakership. Governor Fubara’s faction, however, maintained that Amaewhule’s defection was unconstitutional.

Appeal Court Judgment

On October 10, 2024, the Appeal Court ruled in favor of Amaewhule, nullifying the budget and declaring all expenditures made by Governor Fubara without Amaewhule’s appropriation as illegal.

Governor Fubara’s Response

Fubara’s attorney-general, Danagogo Iboroma, announced that the state government would appeal the judgment to the Supreme Court and seek a stay of execution.

“We are shocked by the Appeal Court’s decision, which we believe was based on a misinterpretation of the law,” Iboroma stated. “The people of Rivers State should disregard the fake news and remain calm.”

Supreme Court Appeal

Governor Fubara’s team has filed an appeal to the Supreme Court, arguing that:

1.⁠ ⁠The Appeal Court erred in its interpretation of the Constitution.

2.⁠ ⁠Amaewhule’s defection was not an issue for determination in the Federal High Court or Appeal Court.

3.⁠ ⁠The nullification of the budget was unjustified.

Reactions

Rivers State stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to the Appeal Court’s ruling.

“This judgment is a victory for democracy,” said Amaewhule’s counsel, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN). “The rule of law must prevail.”

“We will not be deterred by this setback,” countered Governor Fubara’s aide, Kevin Wachukwu. “We are confident that the Supreme Court will uphold the law.”

Implications

The crisis has far-reaching implications for Rivers State’s governance and development.

•⁠  ⁠Budget implementation: The nullified budget has halted critical projects and services.

•⁠  ⁠Legislative stability: The Assembly’s leadership crisis threatens the state’s legislative functions.

•⁠  ⁠Economic uncertainty: Investors may be wary of investing in the state amidst the political instability.