The atmosphere in the camp of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike is one of elation following the Court of Appeal’s recent ruling in Abuja, which upheld Martins Amaewhule as the rightful Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA). This decision has significant implications for the state’s governance, particularly regarding the approval and execution of the 2024 budget, which the court decreed should have been passed by Amaewhule’s faction.
The Appeal Court dismissed the appeal filed by Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, deeming it “bereft of merit” and reaffirming the judgment of the lower court. The court not only reinstated Amaewhule’s position but also imposed a fine of N500,000 against the governor, underscoring the court’s disapproval of his previous actions.
In its ruling, the court made it clear that any expenditures conducted by the Rivers State government without the proper appropriation from Amaewhule’s faction were illegal. The ruling criticized Governor Fubara for showing a “disdain” for court orders, remarking that “you cannot by way of appeal seek to revive what has been decided.” The court added that having only four out of 31 members present to conduct legislative business was a “sham,” reinforcing the legitimacy of Amaewhule’s leadership.
In response to the ruling, Governor Fubara expressed his intent to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. His legal team is set to file an appeal, as well as a request for a stay of execution, asserting that the Appeal Court may have ruled on matters not properly before it. In a statement issued by the Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Danagogo Iboroma (SAN), the government maintained that the judgment had been misconstrued, claiming that it did not imply Amaewhule’s reinstatement nor that he and the 26 others who defected were recognized as members of the assembly.
Iboroma clarified the government’s position, stating, “The defection of Martin Amaewhule and 26 others was not an issue for determination in the Federal High Court, Abuja, and the Court of Appeal. What was in issue was the 2023 Appropriation Law and the National Assembly taking over the Legislative functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly.” He urged the public to disregard what he called “fake news” aimed at misleading the people of Rivers State.
The political tensions surrounding the Rivers State Assembly have been palpable, with critics accusing Governor Fubara of exacerbating the crisis in the state. Wike’s camp, now buoyed by the ruling, believes this victory could significantly alter the power dynamics within Rivers politics, providing a new impetus for Amaewhule and his supporters to push forward with their agenda.
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As the political chess game continues, the residents of Rivers State watch closely, aware that the forthcoming Supreme Court decision could redefine their governance landscape yet again. For now, the jubilation in Wike’s camp signals a newfound momentum, but the looming legal battles promise to keep the political drama alive.
This story will develop as both sides prepare for what lies ahead in the highest court of the land.
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