Rivers Governor Fubara Defeated in Court
In a landmark decision by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State was handed a resounding defeat, as the court dismissed his appeal against the nullification of the State’s N800 million budget for 2024.
The three-judge panel unanimously ruled that the budget was invalid, as Fubara had not presented it to the full House of Assembly, as required by law. The court admonished the Governor for failing to adhere to the rule of law in his actions, noting that he had violated the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
In its judgment, the Court of Appeal ruled that Fubara’s decision to withdraw his counter-affidavit, which he initially filed to challenge the suit brought by the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, and his colleagues, constituted a concession of the claims filed against him.
The court found that Fubara’s appeal was without basis in law, as he could not claim to be dissatisfied with the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court when he had already accepted all the claims filed against him by withdrawing from the suit.
The court described the Governor’s conduct as “self-inflicted” and stated that his appeal could not confer any advantage on him, as he had lost his legal rights at the trial court by accepting all the claims filed against him.
The court’s decision was a clear victory for the rule of law and a stern reminder to public officials to adhere to constitutional procedures and respect the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judiciary.
The court ordered Fubara to present the budget to the House of Assembly under the Speaker recognized by the court, Martin Amaewhule, and to stop withholding funds from the Assembly. The court also ordered the reinstatement of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the House, who had been removed by the Governor.
This historic ruling has once again underscored the importance of the judiciary as a check against the excesses of the executive branch. It has also sent a strong message to public officials that they are not above the law and must adhere to constitutional procedures and respect the separation of powers.
Governor Fubara’s defeat in court is a wake-up call for political leaders in Nigeria to prioritize the rule of law and good governance. It highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the country’s political system, as well as the importance of respecting the rights and democratic processes enshrined in the Constitution.
The aftermath of this ruling will have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Rivers State and beyond. The court’s decision has effectively put an end to the political maneuvering and power struggle between Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The ruling is likely to have a chilling effect on other state governors who may be tempted to abuse their power and ignore constitutional procedures. It sends a clear message that the judiciary will not tolerate such actions and will hold elected officials accountable for their actions.
