In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the N800 billion budget of Rivers State, passed by a faction of the house led by Edison Ehie.
Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, declared the appropriation bill’s presentation and passage by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the lawmakers as null and void.
The court’s decision was based on an interim order issued on November 30, 2023, which had restrained Governor Fubara from presenting the budget. Justice Omotosho emphasized that the subsequent passage of the bill into law by the lawmakers constituted a willful breach of the court order.
The judge also barred the governor from interfering with the state’s assembly led by Martin Amaewhule and from making any appointments in contravention of the laws governing the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission.
Furthermore, Justice Omotosho issued an injunction restraining the National Assembly from taking over the state’s assembly, highlighting that Governor Fubara withdrew his processes in opposition to the plaintiffs’ originating motion, effectively admitting the facts presented.
The Rivers House of Assembly and Martin Amaewhule were the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs in the suit, which involved a list of defendants ranging from the National Assembly to Governor Fubara and other state officials.
The plaintiffs sought various orders, including maintaining the status quo as of November 29, 2023, and restraining the National Assembly from entertaining any request to take over the functions of the Rivers Assembly.
This legal development adds another layer to the ongoing political and legal complexities in Rivers State, raising questions about the separation of powers and adherence to court orders in the governance of the state.
