Court Nullifies 2024 Rivers State Budget Passed By 5-Member Assembly Loyal To Governor Fubara

The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the passage of the 2024 Rivers State appropriation bill by the five-member faction of the State House of Assembly headed by Edison Ehie and loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

SaharaReporters had reported how Siminalayi Fubara, in December, presented an N800 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2024 fiscal year to the five-member assembly which they passed into law.

SaharaReporters also reported how the faction moved the house plenary session to the Government House, Port Harcourt amid the demolition of the assembly complex by Governor Fubara’s administration.

It was learnt that the 27 members of the House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, were absent during the plenary.

The House declared the seats of 27 lawmakers vacant.

SaharaReporters had also reported how the factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Edison later tendered his resignation.

He also quit as a member of the State Assembly, as contained in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ehie also said he had resigned as the member representing Ahoada-East Constituency II in the 10th Assembly.

His resignation letter read: “This is to formally notify you of my voluntary resignation as Speaker and Member of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly representing Ahoada – East Constituency II with effect from the date of this letter.

“I wish to deeply appreciate my colleagues and the people of my Constituency for the rare opportunity to serve and hope to continue to give my utmost best in service to Rivers State subsequently.”