The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara against the House of Assembly led by Amaewhule, following the withdrawal of the suit by Fubara’s legal representative, Yusuf Ali.
It is important to clarify, contrary to certain interpretations, that the Supreme Court’s ruling does not pertain to the legitimacy of the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly. Human rights attorney Femi Falana, SAN, elucidated on Channels Television’s Politics Today that the dismissal was solely based on the withdrawal of the appeal, rather than on its substantive merits. He explained that Fubara’s legal team deemed the appeal an academic exercise, as the issues at hand had become irrelevant, and continuing litigation would unnecessarily burden the court.
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Falana further noted that the Federal High Court’s ruling that prompted the appeal was related to the 2024 budget proposal, which the governor asserted had already been enacted, thereby negating the necessity for further legal proceedings.
The Rivers Assembly has experienced ongoing strife since 2023, when over 25 lawmakers affiliated with former governor Nyesom Wike transitioned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This transition has incited a power struggle, with Amaewhule’s leadership being challenged by a faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, who is aligned with Fubara. The governor has engaged with the Oko-Jumbo faction while marginalizing the Amaewhule group.
Falana confirmed that three members of the House are sufficient to conduct legislative functions, except in instances of gubernatorial impeachment. He contended that the 27 lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC effectively vacated their seats, which have since been declared vacant.
