Governor Sim Fubara, Rivers State
In a recent development, Justice James of the Federal High Court in Abuja has invalidated the N800 billion budget endorsed by the group led by Edison Ehie in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The budget had been signed into law by Governor Siminalayi Fubaraon on December 13, 2023.
Furthermore, the court has affirmed the Assembly’s lawsuit filed by Speaker Martin Amaewhule against Governor Fubara. The suit sought an injunction restraining the governor from impeding the Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership, among other claims. This legal action follows the political crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as well as the demolition of the Assembly Complex.
During this tumultuous period, Governor Fubara presented the 2024 budget proposal of N800 billion to a faction of the State Assembly led by Edison Ehie, who later resigned. The presentation took place at the Government House in Port Harcourt, following the Assembly Complex’s demolition and a court order restricting Amaewhule from using the Assembly Complex.
Despite the controversies, Ehie and other lawmakers supporting Fubara passed the budget estimates, which Governor Fubara signed into law on December 14. The governor emphasized that the budget aimed to foster economic development through inclusive growth and address socio-economic inequality in the state.