The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a ruling that nullifies Rivers State’s 2024 budget, affirming Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This decision follows Governor Siminalaye Fubara’s appeal against a Federal High Court judgment, which declared the budget’s passage illegal as it was approved by only four lawmakers instead of the full assembly.
The appellate court criticized Fubara for violating the constitution by presenting the budget to a faction, bypassing the majority of assembly members. The court also noted that Fubara weakened his own case by withdrawing his legal defense. It concluded that his actions breached section 91 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the proper legislative process.
The ruling stems from a political divide between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, with Fubara aligning with a smaller faction in the House, led by Edison Ehie. The court ordered Fubara to resubmit the budget to the full assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership. Fubara was also ordered to pay N500,000 in costs to each respondent.
Despite ongoing political tension, the Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum has expressed support for Fubara, commending his leadership during the crisis. However, they criticized President Tinubu for not addressing Wike’s involvement in the conflict.
