Pro-Wike Rivers assembly accuses Fubara of breaching constitution

Pro-Wike Rivers assembly accuses Fubara of breaching constitution

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has formally accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of violating provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

In a detailed letter dated July 8, 2024, the Assembly outlined several instances where they believe the governor’s actions have breached constitutional and legal mandates.

The Assembly’s primary contention centers on the 2024 Appropriation Bill. According to the letter, Governor Fubara has yet to present this bill to a duly constituted House of Assembly, a requirement stipulated under Section 121 of the Constitution.

The letter highlighted a judgment from January 22, 2024, by Honourable Justice J.K. Omotosho, which emphasized the need for compliance with this constitutional provision.

The Assembly 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 the 22nd day of January 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 same within seven days from the date of this resolution.”

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Furthermore, the House accused the governor of violating Section 192(2) of the Constitution by inaugurating members of the Rivers State Executive Council as commissioners without due process.

Additionally, they cited a breach of Section 7(1) of the Constitution and the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Law 2023, accusing Fubara of appointing unelected individuals to manage the affairs of the 23 local government areas in the state, contrary to a judgment by Justice Omotosho.

The letter also addressed the issue of the governor’s continued association with three suspended members of the Assembly, which the House claims is in direct disobedience to a court order.

“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 House stated.

The Assembly concluded by describing these actions as gross misconduct and abuse of office, urging the governor to rectify these breaches immediately. They emphasized the importance of adhering to the Constitution and judicial pronouncements to uphold the rule of law.

As tensions rise, all eyes are on Governor Fubara’s next steps and whether he will address the Assembly’s demands within the stipulated timeframe.

This confrontation highlights the ongoing power struggles and legal challenges within Rivers State’s political landscape.

Pro-Wike Rivers assembly accuses Fubara of breaching constitution

(Punch)