Federal High Court Nullifies N800 Billion Rivers State Budget Approved by Pro-Fubara Lawmakers

Justice James of the Federal High Court Abuja has invalidated the N800 billion budget recently approved by the Edison Ehie-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This budget, signed into law by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, faced legal scrutiny following a suit filed by the Assembly and its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.

The court not only nullified the budget but also upheld the Assembly’s case against Governor Fubara. The suit sought an injunction restraining the governor from obstructing the Assembly’s proceedings under Amaewhule’s leadership.

The contentious budget was presented on December 13, 2023, during the intense political crisis gripping the oil-rich state. Governor Fubara delivered the N800 billion proposal at the Government House in Port Harcourt to a group of five members led by Edison Ehie. Notably, Ehie resigned from the House after the presentation.

This event unfolded against the backdrop of the demolished Assembly Complex, which the state government had razed. A court order had restrained Ehie’s contender, Martins Amaewhule, from using the Assembly Complex during this tumultuous period.

Despite these challenges, the pro-Fubara lawmakers, including Ehie, proceeded to pass the budget estimates. Governor Fubara, upon receiving the approval, signed the bill into law. He justified the substantial budget as a vehicle for promoting economic development, inclusive growth, and addressing socio-economic inequalities within the state.

However, with the court’s recent ruling, the fate of the N800 billion budget hangs in the balance, adding a new layer of complexity to the political landscape of Rivers State.