Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Monday, cautioned Governor Siminalayi Fubara not to “exceed his authority” as the governor of Rivers State.
Omotosho emphasized that the court opposes any plans to undermine democracy. He declared that the governor, either personally or through members of the Rivers State Public Service, is not authorized to take actions intended to interfere with the affairs of the River State House of Assembly and the Speaker in the discharge of their duties.
The judge asserted that the governor cannot withhold funds due to the lawmakers in the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Consequently, the judge issued a restraining order against the National Assembly from accepting any requests from the governor.
The judge also noted that the governor’s legal team withdrew all of his processes in the case, indicating an admission of all the facts presented by the plaintiffs.
Based on the evidence before the court, the judge affirmed Martins Amaewhule as the valid Speaker of the Rivers State House Assembly.
He declared the purported sitting of Edison Ehie and four other lawmakers who passed the state’s budget as null and void. Furthermore, the judge invalidated the N800 billion budget passed by the Ehie-led group of the Rivers Assembly and signed into law by Fubara.
Omotosho expressed bewilderment that the governor would demolish the Rivers State Assembly building and submit an appropriation bill to only five lawmakers.
He deemed the bill’s presentation to the five lawmakers as invalid.
The judge issued an order setting aside the purported Appropriation Bill, which was signed despite the interim order of his court restraining the governor.
Additionally, the judge granted an order prohibiting the governor from further demolishing or constructing the Rivers Assembly building.
The court asserted that all actions undertaken by the governor with the four lawmakers are null and void, emphasizing that he should engage with the lawmakers presided over by Amaewhule.