Appeal Court Directs Gov Fubara To Resubmit 2024 Budget to Martin Amaewhule: Here is What You Need to Know
The Appeal Court has directed Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to resubmit the 2024 budget to Martin Amaewhule, who leads a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This directive follows a period of political turmoil within the state involving disagreements between Governor Fubara and a group of lawmakers aligned with the former Governor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation based on the information available up to October 10, 2024:
- Political Background: The conflict stems from a split within the Rivers State House of Assembly, resulting in two factions: one led by Martin Amaewhule, aligned with Wike, and another under Victor Oko-Jumbo, supportive of Governor Fubara. This division was exacerbated by defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) by some lawmakers, intensifying the rift.
- Legal Proceedings: Initially, there was an expulsion of 25 lawmakers, including Martin Amaewhule, which was later nullified by the Court of Appeal in Abuja. This ruling recognized the legitimacy of Amaewhule and his faction, overturning a previous decision by the Rivers State High Court. The appeal court’s decision was based on constitutional grounds, specifying that only the Federal High Court has jurisdiction over such matters regarding the vacancy of assembly members’ seats.
- Budget Resubmission: Following this legal validation, the Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly, backed by Wike, issued a 7-day ultimatum to Governor Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget. This demand likely stems from the political leverage gained by this faction after the court’s decision, aiming to assert their authority and recognition as the legitimate body for legislative functions, including budget approval.
- Implications: This directive from the Appeal Court not only addresses a procedural aspect of budget presentation but also signifies a temporary victory for the Amaewhule faction in the ongoing political battle. It underscores the complex interplay of law, politics, and governance in Rivers State, where budget control is a significant tool of political power and governance continuity.
The resubmission of the budget to Martin Amaewhule’s faction represents a critical moment in Rivers State’s political narrative, potentially setting a precedent for resolving similar disputes in other states or at different governance levels. However, this also highlights the need for political reconciliation or further legal clarity to stabilize governance processes in Rivers State.
