Tension in Fubara’s camp as court overturns Rivers 2024 budget passage
On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja overturned and set aside the presentation and passage of the Rivers State 2024 budget by a group of four legislators from the state.
The court, in a decision delivered by Justice James Omotoso, directed the state’s governor, Siminalaye Fubara, to present the budget to the constitutionally formed House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
James Omotoso challenged the withholding of the House of Assembly budget, claiming that he lacked the constitutional authority to do so.
The court barred Governor Fubara from preventing the House of Assembly under Amaewhule from sitting or interfering with its affairs.
The Governor’s redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk was deemed void and set aside.
The Inspector General of Police was ordered to provide urgent security to the Speaker and MPs loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Justice Omotoso directed that the Clerk and Deputy Clerk return to work immediately and without interruption.
The National Assembly was also prohibited from taking over the Rivers State House of Assembly or accepting or processing any request from Governor Fubara.
Governor Fubara was ordered to release all funds held by the House of Assembly to Martin Amaewhule.
According to Platinum Times, all of the topics under dispute have been addressed in favour of Wike’s supporters.
Details will be provided later.