Rivers Assembly Accuses Governor Fubara of Disobeying Court Rulings

The Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of regularly disregarding court rulings and constitutional provisions. The lawmakers also vowed to hold accountable Fubara’s appointees and permanent secretaries who aid him in flouting the law.

This statement was made during the Assembly’s 65th sitting on Monday, where they reviewed the governor’s actions, particularly in relation to a recent ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja. The Assembly praised the court’s decision, which prevented the government from withdrawing funds from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund until the 2024 Appropriation Bill is presented to a properly constituted Assembly.

The lawmakers also recalled their previous resolution from July 15, 2024, in which they condemned Fubara’s refusal to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill and instructed him to cease spending, in line with Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution.

Subsequently, the House took legal action, asking the Federal High Court to determine whether Fubara could continue to access and spend state funds without an approved budget. The court ruled in favor of the Assembly, ordering the suspension of fund releases until Fubara complies with constitutional requirements.

Commenting on the judgment, Speaker Martins Amaewhule said that since July 1, 2024, the governor had been spending state funds without legislative approval, despite the court ruling. Amaewhule accused Fubara of continuing to bypass the law with the assistance of permanent secretaries and certain individuals posing as commissioners, warning that they would eventually face legal consequences for their actions.

Peoplesmind

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