The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, which challenged the leadership of the State House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The ruling was delivered by a five-member panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji.
The court not only dismissed Fubara’s appeal but also imposed a fine of two million naira against him, to be paid to the Rivers State House of Assembly and Amaewhule. The appeal was withdrawn by the governor’s legal representative, Yusuf Ali, leading to the court’s decision to dismiss it.
The leadership crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly dates back to 2023, when more than 25 lawmakers, who were loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move created a division, with Amaewhule leading one faction and Victor Oko-Jumbo heading another group that supports Fubara.
Since the split, Fubara has aligned himself with the Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers, conducting state affairs through them while disregarding Amaewhule’s faction. The rivalry intensified when the two groups clashed over legislative authority and budget approvals.
Last October, the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld a previous ruling by the Federal High Court, which had nullified the N800 billion 2024 budget passed by the pro-Fubara lawmakers. The appellate court dismissed Fubara’s challenge, stating that his appeal lacked merit. As a result, the 2024 budget presented and approved by his allies was declared invalid.
