The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Rivers State House of Assembly faction led by Martin Amaewhule, declaring it the legitimate legislative body in the state.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Friday by Justice Emmanuel Agim, a five-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji upheld Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers, affirming their right to resume legislative duties without interference.
The court also issued a significant directive restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) from disbursing Rivers State’s budgetary allocations until a valid Appropriation Act is passed by a lawfully constituted House of Assembly.
Justice Agim criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions, stating that his decision to demolish the House of Assembly complex was unlawful and driven by fears of impeachment.
Additionally, the Supreme Court overturned an earlier judgment by the Court of Appeal, which had ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over cases involving Rivers State funds.
The panel further ordered Fubara and the Rivers State Government to pay N5 million in costs to the Rivers State House of Assembly and Martin Amaewhule.
