The verdict is seen as a major blow to Governor Fubara’s administration, as it not only nullifies the state’s budget but also questions the legitimacy of recent legislative activities in the state.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the earlier ruling by the Federal High Court, which nullified the N800 billion Rivers State 2024 budget passed by only four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Delivering its verdict on Thursday, a three-member panel led by Justice Joseph Oyewole dismissed the appeal filed by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The panel stated that the governor’s appeal lacked merit and was therefore invalid.
Justice Oyewole, who authored and read the lead judgment, noted that Governor Fubara had effectively conceded to the plaintiffs’ arguments by withdrawing all relevant documents in the lower court.
According to the appellate court, Governor Fubara’s retraction of his counter-affidavit at the trial stage barred him from initiating any further appeals in a case he did not contest. The court highlighted that the governor’s actions indicated acceptance of the allegations against the passage of the budget.
The panel also criticized the handling of legislative processes in the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing the passage of the budget by just four lawmakers as an act of “executive dictatorship” and a “farce taken too far.” The judges emphasized that the governor must adhere to the principles of the rule of law rather than the rule of might.
The appeal judgment further underscored the position of the Federal High Court’s ruling delivered on January 22, 2024, by Justice James Omotosho. In that decision, Justice Omotosho ruled that the passage of the budget by the four lawmakers, under the leadership of Ehie Edison, was an illegality.
He ordered the Governor to resubmit the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule for proper consideration.
The verdict is seen as a major blow to Governor Fubara’s administration, as it not only nullifies the state’s budget but also questions the legitimacy of recent legislative activities in the state.
Governor Fubara has been accused of lawlessness, disobedience to the RULE OF LAW and including the process of the recent illegal local government election in the state.
HE HAS DEFER TO THE PUNDITS WHO CONTINUED TO MISLEAD AND GIVE ILL ADVISE TO HIM.
This political minion still walks the tight rope at his own peril and would be left alone in the dungeon when the chips are down, with the bad advisers disappearing into the thin air when needed.
THE STUPIDITY OF 4 OUT 0F ABOUT 20 PASSING THE BUDGET FOR THE FINANCES OF THE STATE CANNOT BE MORE BRAZEN INSULT TO INTELLIGENCE OF THE SANE. RATHER, FOOLISHNESS.
There would be no IMMUNITY after office when he has to be made to account for the misdeeds of his tenure in office. Obviously, a childish brain.