The Supreme Court has dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appeal challenging the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule.
A five-judge panel, chaired by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, upheld Amaewhule’s position.
The court also ordered Fubara to pay two million naira in costs to the Assembly and Amaewhule.
Fubara’s appeal was withdrawn by his counsel, Yusuf Ali, prompting the court’s decision.
The Rivers Assembly has been in crisis since 2023 when over 25 lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC. Amaewhule’s faction assumed control, while Fubara’s supporters, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, challenged his leadership.
Fubara has since worked with the Oko-Jumbo group, disregarding Amaewhule’s faction.
In October, the Court of Appeal upheld a Federal High Court ruling that annulled the N800 billion 2024 budget passed by Fubara’s rival group, dismissing Fubara’s appeal.
