The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has affirmed Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, dismissing an appeal from Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. In a unanimous decision on Thursday, a three-member panel of the court ruled that the appeal lacked merit, upholding the previous judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in January.
The judgment, issued by Justice James Omotosho, nullified the 2024 N800 million Rivers State budget, citing procedural flaws. The court found that Governor Fubara had failed to present the budget before the entire House of Assembly, as mandated by law, and instead, only addressed four out of 31 members of the Assembly. This action was deemed a clear violation of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The appellate court also criticized Governor Fubara for failing to adhere to the rule of law in his governance, emphasizing the importance of proper legislative processes in budget approval. Furthermore, the court noted that Fubara’s withdrawal of a counter-affidavit initially filed to contest a suit by the Amaewhule-led lawmakers signified his acceptance of their legal claims.
This ruling further solidifies Martin Amaewhule’s position as the recognised Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and highlights the need for adherence to constitutional guidelines in state governance.
More details to follow as they become available.
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