ABUJA: A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, has dismissed the appeal filed by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Martin Amaewhule.
While dismissing the appeal, Justice Abba-Aji ordered Governor Fubara to pay a cost of two million naira to the Rivers State House of Assembly, the first respondent, and Martin Amaewhule, the second respondent.
The dismissal of Fubara’s appeal was based on the withdrawal of the suit by his counsel, Yusuf Ali.
The Rivers State Assembly has been embroiled in a long-running crisis since 2023, when over 25 lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The leadership of the House, under Amaewhule, was contested by lawmakers aligned with a rival faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, a supporter of Fubara.
Governor Fubara has since conducted state business with the Oko-Jumbo faction, while ignoring the Amaewhule group.
In October, the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld a Federal High Court ruling that nullified the N800 billion 2024 budget passed by Amaewhule’s rival group.
The appellate court dismissed Fubara’s appeal, ruling that it lacked merit, and annulled the passage and presentation of the 2024 Rivers State budget by pro-Fubara lawmakers.
