The Supreme Court of Nigeria has delivered a major ruling in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, declaring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara acted unlawfully by excluding 27 members of the House of Assembly who are loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.
In its judgment, the Supreme Court stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from allocating funds to the Rivers State government until a valid appropriation law is passed by the full House of Assembly.
Court Declares Fubara’s Actions Illegal
A five-member panel of the Apex Court ruled that Martin Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers—previously excluded—must immediately resume their legislative functions. Justice Emmanuel Agim, who read the lead judgment, stated that Governor Fubara’s actions throughout the crisis were based on fear of impeachment. However, the court ruled that this fear was not a justification to attack the legislature or violate the rule of law.
The court further faulted Fubara’s decision to demolish the Rivers State Assembly complex, stating that his approach to governance had created a constitutional crisis, leaving Rivers State without a functioning legislature.
Rivers 2024 Budget Declared Invalid
The Supreme Court also ruled that Governor Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to only four lawmakers was illegal. It explained that a four-member House of Assembly represents only 12.5% of the entire state and does not meet the required quorum for legislative business.
The court emphasized that legislative activities must not be conducted in secret and ordered that the budget must be properly presented to the full House of Assembly.
This judgment is a significant victory for the pro-Wike lawmakers and may shift political power dynamics in Rivers State. The ruling ensures that government functions, including local government allocations, will remain frozen until the state follows due process.
Implications of the Judgment
- Fubara’s government cannot receive federal allocations until the full House of Assembly passes a valid budget.
- The excluded 27 lawmakers must be reinstated immediately.
- The Supreme Court condemned Fubara’s decision to demolish the Assembly complex.
- All legislative actions taken by the four-member Assembly, including the 2024 budget, are now void.
With this ruling, Rivers State faces a governance standoff, as the Supreme Court has effectively restored legislative authority to the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike.
