The Rivers State House of Assembly, on Monday, addressed the press following the Supreme Court’s judgement dismissing an appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Addressing the press, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule recalled that the Federal High Court presided by Justice J.K. Omotosho, on January 22, 2024, delivered his judgement which affirmed the legitimacy of the 27 lawmakers, but dissatisfied with the Judgement, Governor Fubara filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, where the judgement of the lower was upheld.
Rt. Hon. Amaewhule averred that further dissatisfied, Governor Fubara appealed the matter to the Supreme Court, which has now been dismissed by the apex court, bringing the legal battle to an end.
“The Supreme Court has spoken, and the people of Rivers State are elated with this judgement,” the Speaker declared; commending the five-man panel of Justices of the Supreme Court for upholding justice and reaffirming the rule of law.
Rt. Hon. Amaewhule extended his gratitude to leaders of Rivers State who have supported the Assembly throughout this period, singling out the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, for his immense support.
The Speaker condemned the Governor’s refusal to provide the Assembly with its statutory entitlements for nearly a year, adding that the Governor thought they would be starved, but today’s judgment has strengthened their resolve and hope in the judiciary.
Rt. Hon. Amaewhule enthused that Governor Fubara is reputed for consistently disregarded court orders, but warned that all eyes are now on him to see whether he will disobey the Supreme Court’s verdict.
While addressing the issue of vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Amaewhule maintained that one former member had passed away, another had absconded from duty, and three other seats had been declared vacant due to absenteeism; and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections to fill these positions.
Speaking further, Rt. Hon. Amaewhule reminded the Governor Fubara of the injunctive orders issued by Justice Omotosho, which barred him from withholding funds meant for the Assembly. “The end to this rascality is very near”, Rt. Hon. remarked; emphasizing that the House remains committed to upholding the mandate given to them by the electorate.
Rt. Hon. Amaewhule stressed that Governor Fubara has been spending taxpayers’ money for a year without appropriation, in clear defiance of the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal Judgements. “Today’s judgment confirms that Governor Fubara has been in gross violation of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” Speaker Amaewhule asserted.
Signed
Martins Wachukwu
Special Assistant On Media To The Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly
Monday, 10 February, 2025.
