The Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of multiple breaches of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
In a letter dated July 8, 2024, signed by its factional Speaker Martins Amaewhule and sent to Governor Fubara, the House highlighted several actions by the governor that allegedly violate constitutional provisions.
The House specifically pointed to the governor’s failure to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill before a duly constituted House of Assembly under Amaewhule’s speakership, as required by Section 121 of the Constitution. The letter stated:
“You are yet to present the Rivers State Appropriation Bill, 2024, in line with Section 121(1) of the 1999 Constitution as altered and in compliance with the judgment delivered on January 22, 2024, by Honourable Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court of Nigeria. The Rivers State Government under your watch is now barred from spending funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the state. The House hereby gives you the opportunity to present the bill within seven days from the date of this resolution.”
Additionally, the Assembly accused Governor Fubara of breaching Section 192(2) of the Constitution by inaugurating members of the Rivers State Executive Council as commissioners without proper procedures. The lawmakers further alleged that Fubara violated Section 7(1) of the Constitution and the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Law 2023 by appointing unelected individuals to manage the 23 local government areas, disregarding a court judgment by Justice Omotosho.
“The learned judge restrained you from dealing with the three suspended persons who, with your connivance, are parading themselves as Rivers House of Assembly in total disobedience to the order of the learned Judge,” the letter noted.
The Assembly accused the governor of continuing to transact with three suspended members of the House, despite a court order, and failing to direct all impostors in his government to cease their activities.
“These infractions by you on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as altered, other extant laws, and judicial pronouncements constitute gross misconduct and abuse of office on your part. We call on you to do the needful and act lawfully without further delay and please accept the assurances of our high regards,” the letter concluded.
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