The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of consistently ignoring court rulings and constitutional mandates, threatening legal action against officials who aid in bypassing established protocols.
This statement comes in the wake of a recent Federal High Court judgment that prohibits the state government from accessing the Consolidated Revenue Fund without an approved 2024 Appropriation Bill.
Speaker Martins Amaewhule led the charge during the Assembly’s 65th sitting, where he reaffirmed the lawmakers’ commitment to uphold the rule of law.
In a statement by Martin Wachukwu, Amaewhule’s Special Assistant on Media, the Assembly expressed strong support for Justice J.O. Abdulmalik’s ruling, labeling it a critical affirmation of constitutional democracy.
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“The Rivers State House of Assembly had, since July 15, 2024, requested that Governor Fubara halt spending from the state’s revenue fund in the absence of an approved budget,” the statement noted, underscoring previous warnings issued to the governor.
In response to Fubara’s refusal to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill, the Assembly sought judicial intervention to challenge the governor’s authority to continue expenditures. The court’s ruling upheld the Assembly’s position, signaling a clear rejection of any attempts to circumvent legislative approval.
Amaewhule stated, “Since July 1, 2024, Governor Fubara has been spending state funds without approval, hence the declaration of the shutdown of expenditure.”
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He condemned the governor’s continued defiance, stating, “The Governor, in his characteristic manner of disobeying judgments of Courts, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and extant laws, has continued to circumvent the Law.”
The Speaker emphasized the Assembly’s resolve to ensure that those who violate the Constitution would face consequences, thanking members for their unwavering support in defending democratic principles. “Those who trample on the country’s Constitution will be made to account for their malfeasance,” he asserted.
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