The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, has given Governor Siminalayi Fubara a 7-day deadline to re-submit the 2024 budget.
This directive came during the House’s first session after several months.
Meanwhile, a separate assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, is also convening.
Governor Fubara had initially presented the budget to a House loyal to him, with Edison Ehie acting as Speaker.
The pro-Fubara legislators approved the budget, and Fubara signed it into law, highlighting its focus on economic development, inclusive growth, and reducing socio-economic inequality.
The recent developments have intensified the ongoing crisis within the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The Amaewhule-led Assembly resumed sessions following a Court of Appeal ruling last week stating that Section 272(3) of the Constitution gives the Federal High Court powers to determine whether the seat of a House of Assembly member has become vacant.
It held that the Federal High Court has the exclusive jurisdiction to determine if the seats have become vacant.
According to the court, the express mention of the Federal High Court in Section 272 (3) of the Constitution automatically excludes all state high courts from having the jurisdiction.
The appellate court held that the exparte order having been made without jurisdiction is null and void.
This ruling has overturned the previous expulsion of Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers by the Rivers State High Court.
Victor Oko-Jumbo, speaker of the opposing group, expressed disagreement with the appellate court’s decision, stating that they have appealed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria to challenge the ruling.
We will be giving you updates as it comes!
