ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, on Monday, intensified its criticism of Governor Siminialayi Fubara, accusing him of habitually disregarding court judgments and constitutional mandates.
The lawmakers also pledged to hold accountable any of Fubara’s appointees and permanent secretaries who assist him in evading legal requirements.
During their 65th session on Monday at the legislative quarters on Aba Road, the Assembly members reviewed recent developments and discussed a recent Federal High Court judgment, in which Justice J.O. Abdulmalik ruled that the state government must refrain from withdrawing funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund until the 2024 Appropriation Bill is passed by a duly constituted Assembly.
The lawmakers praised this ruling, calling it “sound and well-considered.”
A statement issued by Martins Wachukwu, Special Assistant on Media to Speaker Amaewhule, highlighted that the Assembly had raised concerns since July 15, 2024, over governor Fubara’s failure to present the 2024 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the House.
Citing Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution, the legislators had formally requested that the Governor halt all expenditures pending the bill’s passage.
In light of the governor’s continued spending without legislative approval, the Assembly filed a suit in the Federal High Court to determine whether Fubara could legally withdraw from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without an approved 2024 Appropriation Law.
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They also asked the court to impose consequences for this constitutional breach by instructing the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and other financial institutions to suspend the release of funds to Rivers State until Fubara complies with constitutional provisions. The court ruled in favor of the Assembly and Speaker.
Reflecting on the judgment, Speaker Amaewhule declared, “Since July 1, 2024, governor Fubara has been spending state funds without approval, hence the declaration of the shutdown of expenditure.”
He accused Fubara of defying both court judgments and the Constitution, stating, “In his characteristic manner of disobeying judgments of courts, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and extant laws, the Governor has continued to circumvent the law with the aid of Permanent Secretaries and some individuals who parade themselves as Commissioners. They will certainly have a date with the law.”
Amaewhule commended the Assembly members for their dedication to democratic principles and urged them to remain vigilant in defending the Constitution.
He further condemned the actions of Fubara and his team as “illegal, unlawful, and a subversion of the Constitution” for their continued spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without an enacted 2024 Appropriation Law.
Calling the Federal High Court’s decision a “landmark judgment,” Amaewhule affirmed the Assembly’s resolve to hold accountable those who violate Nigeria’s Constitution and vowed that anyone involved in such acts of malfeasance would face legal repercussions.