The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of multiple constitutional breaches and contempt of court, News About Nigeria reports.
The allegations were detailed in a letter dated July 8, 2024, outlining the Assembly’s resolutions against the governor.
Speaker Amaewhule raised several key issues in the letter.
First, he accused Governor Fubara of failing to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill, as required by Section 121 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.
This failure, according to the Assembly, also defies a January 2024 Federal High Court judgement that mandated the bill’s presentation to a duly constituted House of Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership.
The letter also condemned the governor for swearing in commissioners and local government council members in violation of constitutional provisions and a court judgement.
The Assembly cited Section 192(2) and Section 7(1) of the Constitution, which were allegedly breached by the governor’s actions.
Additionally, the governor was accused of ignoring a judgement by Justice J.K. Omotosho, which restrained him from dealing with three suspended Assembly members.
Another major point of contention was Governor Fubara’s continued engagement with the suspended Assembly members despite a Court of Appeal judgement declaring their actions null and void.
The Assembly stated that this disregard for judicial orders constitutes gross misconduct and abuse of office.
The Assembly gave Governor Fubara a seven-day ultimatum to present the Appropriation Bill and urged him to comply with constitutional and judicial mandates.
The letter stressed that the governor needs to act lawfully and uphold the principles of governance.
Fubara had earlier presented the budget to the House loyal to him when his current Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, presided as Speaker.
Ehie and the other pro-Fubara lawmakers passed the budget estimates, and the governor signed the bill into law.
