Fubara looses out as Court nullifies N800 Billion 2024 Budget

The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a significant judgment that voids and sets aside the presentation and passage of the N800 billion 2024 budget by Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The verdict was arrived on by a group of four-member legislators in Rivers State, led by Edison Ehie.

In a ruling issued by Justice James Omotosho, the court nullified the signing of the budget into law by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The judge directed Governor Fubara to re-present the budget to the legally constituted House of Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

Justice Omotosho further invalidated the withholding of funds from the House of Assembly, asserting that the governor lacked constitutional authority to do so. The presiding judge also prohibited Governor Fubara from obstructing the House of Assembly’s sessions or interfering in its affairs.

Additionally, the court annulled the governor’s redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, instructing both officials to resume their duties immediately and without hindrance. Justice Omotosho mandated the Inspector General of Police to provide adequate security to Speaker Amaewhule and legislators aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike.

The judge extended the order to the National Assembly, prohibiting them from taking over the Rivers State House of Assembly or considering any requests from Governor Fubara.

Furthermore, Justice Omotosho directed Governor Fubara to release all funds in the credit of the House of Assembly to Speaker Martin Amaewhule.