The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, has publicly accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of routinely ignoring court rulings and constitutional mandates. During the Assembly’s 65th sitting on Monday, lawmakers expressed their determination to hold accountable both Fubara’s appointees and permanent secretaries who facilitate these legal violations.

This statement follows a recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which has been praised by the Assembly. The court’s decision prevents the governor from withdrawing funds from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund until a properly constituted Assembly reviews the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

The Assembly also recalled its earlier resolution from July 15, 2024, where they condemned the governor’s failure to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The lawmakers instructed Fubara to halt all spending activities, citing Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution as the basis for their demands.

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In response to the ongoing situation, the House initiated legal action, seeking a judicial determination on whether Fubara could continue accessing state funds without an approved budget. The court ruled in favor of the Assembly, mandating a suspension of fund releases until the governor adheres to constitutional protocols.

Speaker Martins Amaewhule emphasized that since July 1, 2024, Fubara has been disbursing state funds without legislative consent, disregarding the court’s ruling. He further alleged that the governor continues to evade legal obligations with the aid of certain permanent secretaries and individuals posing as commissioners. Amaewhule warned that these individuals would ultimately face legal repercussions for their complicity in Fubara’s actions.