The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, voided and set aside the Rivers State 2024 budget.
Justice James Omotoso declared that the presentation and approval of the budget by a group of four legislators were not valid. The court then ordered Governor Siminalaye Fubara to represent the budget to the legally recognized House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
Justice Omotoso emphasized that the governor does not have the constitutional authority to withhold funds from the House of Assembly. To prevent interference, Governor Fubara was restrained from obstructing the House’s proceedings under Speaker Amaewhule.
The court also overturned the Governor’s redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, deeming it null and void. Adequate security for Speaker Amaewhule and legislators loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike was mandated by the court, assigning this responsibility to the Inspector General of Police.
The National Assembly was forbidden from taking control of the Rivers State House of Assembly or entertaining any requests from Governor Fubara. Additionally, Governor Fubara was directed to release all funds belonging to the House of Assembly to Speaker Martin Amaewhule.