A group of four-member legislators in Rivers State have had their presentation and passage of the 2024 budget voided and set aside by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotoso, it was ordered that the budget be represented to the legally constituted House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
The court also declared that the governor of the State, Siminalaye Fubara, has no constitutional power to withhold funds from the House of Assembly. Governor Fubara was further restrained from interfering in the affairs of the House or preventing them from sitting.
The redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk by the Governor was declared null and void. The Inspector General of Police was ordered to provide adequate security to Speaker Amaewhule and legislators loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.
The Clerk and Deputy Clerk were also ordered to resume office immediately and without hindrance. The National Assembly was barred from taking over the Rivers State House of Assembly or accepting any requests from Governor Fubara.
Finally, Governor Fubara was instructed to release all funds in the credit of the House of Assembly to Martin Amaewhule.
