The Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a formal communication to Governor Siminialayi Fubara, detailing actions they believe constitute breaches of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
The letter, dated July 8 and signed by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, was sent to Governor Fubara following a plenary session on Monday.
Titled “Resolutions Reached on the First Legislative Day of the Second Session of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly,” the document addresses several constitutional concerns. Foremost among these is the governor’s failure to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly.
Addressing the governor, the House 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 Assembly emphasized that the bill must be presented to a duly constituted House under Speaker Amaewhule’s leadership, in accordance with Section 122 of the Constitution.
“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,” the letter continued.
The Assembly also cited the governor’s breach of Section 192(2) of the Constitution, accusing him of inaugurating purported members of the Rivers State Executive Council as commissioners without proper authorization.
Additionally, the lawmakers pointed out a violation of Section 7(1) of the Constitution and the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Law 2023. They accused Governor Fubara of swearing in unelected individuals to manage the affairs of the 23 local government councils in the state, despite a court judgment by Justice Omotosho.
“The learned Judge restrained you from dealing with the three suspended members who, with your connivance, are parading themselves as the Rivers House of Assembly in total disobedience to the order of the learned Judge,” the letter stated.
The Assembly criticized the governor for continuing to transact with the three suspended members, in contempt of court orders, and for refusing to stop impostors in his government from acting in their purported positions.
“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,” the Assembly declared.
The letter concluded with a call to Governor Fubara to comply with constitutional and legal requirements promptly: “We call on you to do the needful and act lawfully without further delay and please accept the assurances of our high regards.”
The Assembly’s firm stance highlights the ongoing political tension and legal challenges within Rivers State’s governance.