FEDERAL HIGH COURT SET’S ASIDE PASSAGE OF RIVERS STATE 2024 BUDGET BY 4 UNLAWFUL LEGISLATORS 22-01-24
By Sadiq Aminu A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has voided and set aside the presentation and passage of Rivers State 2024 Budget by a group of unlawful four member legislators in the State.
Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotoso ordered the governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara to represent the budget to the legally constituted House of Assembly under the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.
James Omotoso quashed the witholding of the Hose of Assembly fund on the grounds that he had no Constitutional power to do so.
The court restrained Governor Fubara from frustrating House of Assembly under Amaewhule from sitting or interfering in the affairs of the House.
The redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk done by the Governor was declared null and void and was set aside.
The Inspector General of Police was ordered to immediately give adequate security to the Speaker and legislators loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Justice Omotoso ordered the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk to resume office immediately and unhindered.
The National Assembly barred from taking over the Rivers State House of Assembly or accept or treat any request from Governor Fubara.
Governor Fubara was ordered to release all monies standing in the credit of the House of Assembly to Martin Amaewhule.