In a recent development, Justice James of the Federal High Court Abuja has rendered the N800 billion budget passed by the Edison Ehie-led group of the Rivers State House of Assembly null and void. The said budget had been signed into law by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. The court additionally upheld a suit filed by the Assembly and Speaker Martin Amaewhule against Governor Fubara, seeking an injunction to restrain him from impeding the Assembly’s functions under Amaewhule’s leadership as speaker, among other grievances.
The controversy unfolded on December 13, 2023, amidst a prolonged political crisis in the oil-rich state and the demolition of the Assembly Complex. Governor Fubara presented the 2024 budget proposal of N800 billion to a select group of five members of the State Assembly, led by Edison Ehie. Notably, this presentation took place at the Government House in Port Harcourt, following the demolition of the Assembly Complex by the state government and a court order restricting Ehie’s contender, Martins Amaewhule, from utilizing the Assembly Complex.
Despite these contentious circumstances, Ehie and other lawmakers aligned with Governor Fubara passed the budget estimates, subsequently signed into law by the governor. Fubara justified the budget, stating that it aimed at fostering economic development, inclusive growth, and addressing socio-economic inequality within the state.
However, the political landscape experienced further upheaval as Ehie resigned from the House, leading to Amaewhule’s restoration as the Assembly’s Speaker after discussions with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. Amaewhule and 25 other lawmakers loyal to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike later demanded a fresh presentation of the 2024 budget estimates by Governor Fubara, prompting legal action.
On Monday, Ken Njemanze, representing Amaewhule, accused Governor Fubara of meddling with the functions of state lawmakers, contravening the doctrine of the separation of powers. Seeking legal redress, the plaintiffs requested various injunctions, including restraining Governor Fubara from withholding funds due to the Assembly and compelling adequate security for Amaewhule’s leadership.
In response, Justice James Omotosho noted that Edison Ehie, the 17th defendant, claimed to have resigned from the Rivers State Assembly through his lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye. This latest development adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding legal saga surrounding the Rivers State budget dispute.
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