High Court nullifies passage of Rivers 2024 budget

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday has nullified and set aside the passage of the 2024 Rivers State budget by Edison Ehie led group of four member legislators.

Justice James Omotosho in a judgment recognized Martin Amaewhule, as the authentic speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The court held that the National Assembly has no power to take over the activities of the Rivers State House of Assembly when it still performs its legislative duties.

The inspector general of police has been ordered to give protection to Martin Amaewhule.

Governor Fubara is to present the budget to the legally constituted House of Assembly under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule.

The withholding of the state House of Assembly funds by the governor is unconstitutional

Governor Fubara is restrained from frustrating the activities of the House of Assembly under Mr Amaewhule.

On the redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the State Assembly done by the Governor, the Court declared it as null and void as only the Speaker, as enshrined in the State Assembly Service Commission, is empowered to appoint or redeploy.

Also, the National Assembly was also barred from taking over the Rivers State House of Assembly or accepting or treating any request from the Governor to do so.

Governor Fubara was also ordered to release all monies standing in the credit of the House of Assembly to Martin Amaewhule, who the Court deems as the lawful Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly.