JUST IN: High Court voids passage of Rivers 2024 budget, as resolutions favour Wike’s loyalists

Adebayo Adenrele




The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday nullified the presentation and passage of Rivers State 2024 Budget by a group of unlawful four member legislators in the State.

In a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotoso, he ordered the governor of the State, Siminalaye Fubara to re-present the budget to the legally constituted House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

James Omotoso quashed the withholding of the Hose of Assembly fund on the basis that he has no constitutional power to do so.

The court further restrained Fubara from interfering in the affairs of House of Assembly under Amaewhule.

NEWSTODAYNG gathered that the redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, which was done by the Governor was declared null and void and was set aside.

Justice Omotoso ordered the Inspector General of Police to immediately give adequate security to the Speaker and legislators loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and also ordered the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk to resume office immediately and unhindered.

The National Assembly also barred from taking over the Rivers State House of Assembly or accept or treat any request from Governor Fubara.

Governor Fubara was ordered to release all monies standing in the credit of the House of Assembly to Martin Amaewhule.

All issues in dispute on Rivers State House of Assembly were therefore resolved in favour of Wike’s loyalists.