Appeal Court Upholds Amaewhule as Rivers Assembly Speaker, Orders Fubara to Present 2024 Budget
In a significant legal ruling, the Court of Appeal has upheld the position of Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, dismissing an appeal that sought to challenge his leadership. The court, in its verdict, ruled that the appeal lacked merit and reaffirmed the judgment of the lower court. The appellant was also fined ₦500,000 as a penalty for the frivolous nature of the case.
The appellate court’s decision comes as a blow to forces within the Rivers State political landscape attempting to undermine the leadership of Amaewhule. It declared that any financial expenditure made by the Rivers State Governor without the appropriation and approval of Speaker Amaewhule is illegal, underscoring the need for adherence to constitutional processes. The court’s emphasis on the role of the Speaker highlights the importance of legislative approval in matters of state finance.
The court further chastised the appellant for showing disdain towards a previous court order, stressing that the judicial process should not be treated with contempt. In a firm rebuke, the court noted that an appeal cannot be used to revive issues that have already been conclusively addressed by a lower court.
Additionally, the Court of Appeal took a critical stance against what it described as a “sham sitting” led by Edison Ehie, wherein only four out of the 31 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly participated in legislative deliberations. The court found this sitting to be illegitimate and noted that such actions undermine the integrity of the legislative process.
The ruling also called out Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, criticizing his actions for disregarding judicial orders. The court remarked that such behavior was unbecoming of a leader who should uphold the principles of good governance and respect for the rule of law.
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