A dramatic legal battle over Rivers State’s massive N800 billion budget has taken a surprising turn, with a court declaring the entire spending plan null and void. This explosive ruling throws the oil-rich state’s finances into uncertainty and reignites the political firestorm that’s been raging for months.
Remember that demolished Assembly building? That’s where this story starts. Back in December, amidst a bitter political feud, Governor Fubara decided to bypass the usual channels and present the budget proposal to just five friendly lawmakers in a makeshift location. They quickly rubber-stamped it, and Fubara signed it into law, all while the real Assembly sat idle, locked out of their own building.
But Speaker Amaewhule and his allies weren’t having it. They cried foul, accusing Fubara of a power grab and violating the separation of powers. They took their case to court, arguing that the whole budget process was a sham.
And guess what? The judge agreed. Justice Omotosho declared the presentation and approval of the budget “null and void,” a major blow to Fubara and his team. He also ruled that Fubara can’t withhold the Assembly’s funds or interfere with their operations, adding that the governor overstepped his bounds and “should not exceed his power.”
So, what happens now? Well, Rivers State is back to square one on its budget. Amaewhule and the real Assembly will have to start over, following the proper procedures and involving all the lawmakers. It’s a messy situation, and it’ll take time to sort out, but at least the process can finally move forward in a legal and transparent way.
But don’t expect this saga to end anytime soon. This is just one chapter in a much larger political battle between Fubara and his predecessor, ex-Governor Wike. With elections looming on the horizon, the tension is sure to rise even higher. Buckle up, Rivers State is about to get even wilder.
