Grace Omachoko
….verdict favors Wike loyalists
In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday nullified the presentation and passage of Rivers State’s 2024 budget by a four-member legislative group.
Justice James Omotoso, delivering the judgment, mandated Governor Siminalaye Fubara to represent the budget to the legally constituted House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
The court dismissed the withholding of House of Assembly funds, citing a lack of constitutional authority.
Governor Fubara was restrained from obstructing the Assembly’s proceedings or interfering in its affairs.
ROUNDOFFNEWS gathered that the redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, orchestrated by the Governor, was declared null and void.
To ensure security, the Inspector General of Police was directed to provide adequate protection for Speaker Amaewhule and legislators loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Additionally, Justice Omotoso ordered the immediate and unimpeded resumption of office for the Clerk and Deputy Clerk.
Furthermore, the National Assembly was barred from taking control of the Rivers State House of Assembly or considering any requests from Governor Fubara.
The Governor was instructed to release all funds belonging to the House of Assembly to Speaker Martin Amaewhule. This resolution overwhelmingly favored loyalists of former Governor Nyesom Wike.