Court affirms Martin Amaewhule as authentic Rivers State Assembly Speaker

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has unanimously validated Hon. Martin Amaewhule as the genuine Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly.

This decision upholds the January 22 judgment by the Federal High Court, nullifying the 2024 budget of Rivers State due to its passage by only four lawmakers.

The appellate court dismissed Governor Siminalaye Fubara’s appeal, citing his withdrawal of a counter-affidavit as a concession to the Amaewhule-led lawmakers’ suit.

According to Justice Joseph Oyewole, “A party must be consistent in the presentation of its case. A party cannot approbate and reprobate or blow hot and cold at the same time.”

Read Also: Court upholds nullification of Rivers N800bn 2024 budget passed by 4 lawmakers

Background of the Crisis

The Rivers State Assembly was divided due to the strained relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Fubara presented the N800 billion 2024 budget to four lawmakers led by Hon. Edison Ehie, who had emerged as a factional Speaker. The Ehie-led faction passed the budget, which Fubara quickly assented to.

However, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, Fubara and Wike signed a peace pact, restoring Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker. Ehie subsequently withdrew from the case and resigned from the Assembly.

Key Rulings

– The Court of Appeal upheld the nullification of the 2024 budget, citing its improper presentation before the Rivers State House of Assembly.
– Governor Fubara’s actions were deemed unconstitutional, including demolishing the Assembly complex and withholding funds.
– The National Assembly cannot take over state legislative affairs without meeting specific conditions outlined in the 1999 Constitution.
– Fubara was ordered to pay N500,000 to each respondent in the appeal.

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