Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Court of Appeal’s decision, vowing to take the case to the Supreme Court. This follows the dismissal of his appeal (Appeal No. CA/ABJ/133/CS/2024) against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered in January 2024, regarding the legality of the Rivers State House of Assembly’s leadership crisis.
The case stems from the fallout within the Rivers Assembly, after a faction led by Martin Amaewhule defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in late 2023, sparking legal battles over their seats and the 2024 Appropriation Bill passed under Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie’s leadership as Speaker. Governor Fubara insists the defection rendered Amaewhule and 26 others ineligible to retain their seats based on Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution, which automatically disqualifies legislators who defect from their sponsoring party.
While the Appeal Court dismissed Fubara’s challenge, the Governor maintains that the ruling misrepresents the legislative standing of the defectors and the legitimacy of the Assembly’s leadership. Dissatisfied with the decision, Fubara has instructed his legal team to appeal to the Supreme Court, seeking a stay of execution to preserve the status quo.
In a statement issued by Rivers State Attorney General D.I. Iboroma, SAN, the Governor called on the public to disregard misinformation surrounding the case, urging them to remain calm as the legal process continues.
