The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Martins Amaewhule, has accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of consistently disobeying court judgments and constitutional provisions. This assertion was made during the Assembly’s 65th sitting on November 4, 2024, where lawmakers expressed their determination to hold accountable Fubara’s appointees and permanent secretaries who assist him in circumventing the law.
According to a statement from Martin’s Wachukwu, Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker, the Assembly reviewed the governor’s actions concerning a recent ruling from the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court, presided over by Justice J.O. Abdulmalik, ruled that the state government must not withdraw funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund until a properly constituted Assembly receives the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The lawmakers described this judgment as sound and well-considered.
The Assembly highlighted that Fubara has continually refused to present the 2024 Rivers State Appropriation Bill, which led them to write to the governor urging him to halt expenditures, citing Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution. This decision resulted in the House filing a suit against Fubara in the Federal High Court to determine the legality of his spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without a valid appropriation law.
Amaewhule emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Since July 1, 2024, Governor Fubara has been spending state funds without approval, hence the declaration of the shutdown of expenditure.” He condemned Fubara’s actions, characterizing them as a breach of the law and warned that those aiding him would also face legal consequences.
The ongoing tension between the Assembly and Fubara highlights the political strife in Rivers State, raising questions about governance and accountability within the state’s leadership.
