The Opposition Coalition has moved to clarify the recent Supreme Court ruling on Rivers State, dismissing rumors that the court had delivered a judgment against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
According to Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, the Supreme Court’s ruling was actually in favour of Governor Fubara.
The court’s decision was based on the governor’s withdrawal of his appeal regarding the 2024 budget, which had already been fully executed and implemented.
Ugochinyere emphasised that Governor Fubara’s decision to withdraw his appeal was due to the fact that the 2024 budget cycle had ended, making the case moot.
He also clarified that no court has ruled in favor of the pro-Wike sacked lawmakers and that Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Oko Jumbo, remains in charge.
The Opposition Coalition is urging the media to verify facts before reporting on legal issues and is advising Governor Fubara to stay focused on delivering good governance to the people of Rivers State, despite the political shenanigans.
“Today, the Supreme Court ruled on the Appeal over the 2024 budget voluntarily withdrawn by Gov. Fubara because 2024 budget cycle have ended and no need wasting time discussing a budget that have been fully spent and implemented.
“The sacked Martin Amaewhule and the Pro-Wike group are jubilating out of ignorance of what informed the decision of the apex court. For their information and others who care, the Supreme Court judgment was a sequel to the withdrawal of the appeal by Governor Fubara through his lead counsel, Yusuf Ali, SAN, Governor Fubara in the notice for withdrawal of the case, informed a 3-man panel of Justices of the Court that events have overtaken his suit.
“For those who don’t know such events as mentioned by His Excellency, Governor Fubara include inter-alia that the 2024 budget for instance has been fully executed and exhausted with 2025 Appropriation in effect, hence the case is statute-barred. Also, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Oko Jumbo is still in charge and control of the legislature in the South-south state as the pro-Wike sacked lawmakers and their gang leader, Amaewhule remained removed from office.”
