In a decisive ruling, the Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the legitimacy of the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly. The apex court, in its judgment delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji on Monday, also imposed a fine of N4 million against the governor.
The legal battle, initially slated for a full hearing, took an unexpected turn when Fubara’s legal team, led by Yusuf Ali, SAN, announced their client’s decision to withdraw the appeal. Ali explained that the case had been “overtaken by events,” signaling a shift in the political landscape.
Despite the withdrawal, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, representing the Amaewhule-led lawmakers, along with Mr. J.B. Daudu, who appeared for other defendants, insisted on financial compensation. The court obliged, awarding N2 million in costs to the Assembly and Amaewhule—bringing the total financial penalty to N4 million against Fubara.
It is worth remembering that the Rivers State House of Assembly has been a battleground for power, largely due to a deep-seated rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The divide led to a factional split within the House, with 26 pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Amaewhule, opposing Fubara.
Amidst this political storm, Fubara presented the state’s N800 billion 2024 budget to only four lawmakers from his faction, led by Edison Ehie, a move that was later nullified by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.
The courts held that Fubara’s actions violated Section 91 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates a properly constituted legislature. The appellate court further criticized Fubara for withdrawing a key counter-affidavit that could have supported his case, effectively conceding to his opponents.
The Supreme Court’s decision cements Amaewhule’s leadership and affirms the prior judgments that declared the Fubara-backed budget illegal. Additionally, the court ordered the governor to cease interference with the Assembly’s affairs and to release all funds due to the legislature.
It is worth recalling that while a peace pact brokered by President Bola Tinubu had sought to mend fences between the feuding factions, it appears that legal and political tensions remain unresolved. With the Supreme Court’s ruling, Fubara finds himself in a weakened position, forced to navigate a House of Assembly that firmly aligns with his political rival.
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As Rivers State moves forward, the question remains: can Fubara regain control of his government, or will he be further boxed in by an Assembly loyal to Wike?
Only time will tell.
