Supreme Court Dismisses Fubara’s Appeal, Affirms Amaewhule-led Rivers Assembly Leadership

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In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, has dismissed the appeal filed by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

The court’s decision solidifies the authority of the Amaewhule-led Assembly, putting an end to the prolonged legal battle over the state’s legislative leadership. In addition, the Supreme Court ordered Governor Fubara to pay N2 million to the lawmakers, further reinforcing its stance on the matter.
Adding to this dramatic turn of events, Governor Fubara has also withdrawn his Appeal No. SC/CV/1071/2024, which sought to overturn an earlier Appeal Court ruling that declared the 2024 Rivers State budget illegal. The court had ruled that Fubara’s presentation of the budget to just three lawmakers was unconstitutional and directed him to re-submit it before the House of Assembly led by Speaker Amaewhule.

The Appeal Court had previously upheld the judgement of Justice J.K. Omotosho in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/1613/2023, which first ruled against Fubara’s budget presentation. With his appeal now withdrawn, Governor Fubara has effectively accepted the rulings of both the lower and appellate courts, acknowledging the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

This Supreme Court verdict brings clarity to the political landscape in Rivers State, affirming the constitutional process of governance and legislative authority.