The Supreme Court on Monday, dismissed an appeal filed by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule.
A five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji rejected the appeal and awarded a ₦2 million cost against Fubara.
The funds are payable to the Rivers Assembly and Amaewhule
The decision followed Fubara’s counsel, Yusuf Ali (SAN), decision to withdraw the case.
The ruling marks another chapter in the prolonged political crisis that has engulfed the Rivers Assembly since 2023.
The crisis began in October 2023 when 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Their move led to a split in the Assembly with Amaewhule leading one faction, while a rival group led by Victor Oko-Jumbo and loyal to Fubara, emerged.
Since the problem began, the governor has chosen to work exclusively with the Oko-Jumbo faction.
In October 2024, the Court of Appeal, Abuja, upheld the Federal High Court, Abuja, ruling that nullified the ₦800 billion 2024 budget passed by the Oko-Jumbo-led faction.
The appellate court dismissed Fubara’s appeal and set aside the passage of the Rivers State 2024 budget.