Nigeria’s Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule. The five-man panel, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, awarded a cost of ₦2 million against Governor Fubara, payable to the Rivers State House of Assembly and Martin Amaewhule.
The appeal was dismissed due to the withdrawal of the suit by Fubara’s counsel, Yusuf Ali. This development marks the end of the legal battle over the Assembly’s leadership. The Rivers Assembly has been embroiled in a crisis since 2023, when over 25 lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The leadership of the House by Amaewhule was contested by a rival group led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, loyal to Fubara. Despite this, Fubara has been conducting state business with the Oko-Jumbo group, ignoring the Amaewhule faction. This move has further polarized the Assembly and the state government.In October last year, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court, setting aside the ₦800 billion 2024 budget passed by Amaewhule’s rival group. The appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by Fubara on grounds that it lacked merit. The court also nullified the 2024 Rivers budget passed by pro-Fubara lawmakers and set aside the presentation and passage of the Rivers State 2024 budget.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has been plagued by crisis since 2023, when the lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC. The crisis has led to a rift between Fubara and Amaewhule, with each side claiming legitimacy. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to bring an end to the leadership tussle.
The Supreme Court’s dismissal of Fubara’s appeal is a significant blow to his administration. The governor has been accused of trying to impose his will on the Assembly, and the court’s decision is seen as a victory for the rule of law. The development is also expected to have implications for the state’s politics and governance.
The Rivers State government has yet to react to the Supreme Court’s decision. However, the development is expected to lead to a re-evaluation of the state’s politics and governance. The Supreme Court’s decision is a significant milestone in the state’s political history, and its implications will be closely watched by stakeholders.
