The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, delivered a landmark judgment on Monday, declaring the presentation and passage of the N800 billion 2024 budget by a group of four-member legislators in Rivers State, led by Edison Ehie, as null and void.
In the judgment, Justice Omotosho specifically nullified the signing of the budget into law by Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.
The court ordered the governor to re-present the budget to the legally constituted House of Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
Furthermore, Justice Omotosho addressed various aspects of the case, ruling against the withholding of House of Assembly funds by Governor Fubara, stating that it was beyond his constitutional power to do so.
The judge also restrained the governor from frustrating the functioning of the House under Amaewhule and interfering in its affairs.
Additionally, the court voided Governor Fubara’s redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, instructing both officials to resume their duties immediately and without hindrance.
To ensure the security of Speaker Amaewhule and legislators aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike, the judge directed the Inspector General of Police to provide adequate security.
Justice Omotosho went on to bar the National Assembly from taking over the Rivers State House of Assembly or entertaining any requests from Governor Fubara.
In a significant move, the court ordered Governor Fubara to release all funds standing in the credit of the House of Assembly to Speaker Amaewhule.
The comprehensive judgment upheld the suit filed by the Assembly and Speaker Amaewhule against Governor Fubara, seeking an injunction to prevent him from frustrating the Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership.
Ada Peter
