The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, voided and set aside the presentation and passage of the Rivers State 2024 budget by a group of four-member legislators in the state.
In a ruling read by Justice James Omotoso, the court directed the governor of the state, Siminalaye Fubara, to present the budget to the House of Assembly, which is duly constituted and led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
James Omotoso ruled that he lacked the constitutional authority to revoke the withholding of the House of Assembly budget on the ground.
Governor Fubara was ordered by the court to refrain from obstructing the House of Assembly’s session or meddling in its internal matters.
The redeployment of the Clerk and the 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 was also barred from taking over the Rivers State House of Assembly or accepting or treating 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.
