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Court Strikes Down N800 Billion Rivers Budget Approved by Pro-Fubara Lawmakers
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja has nullified the N800 billion budget passed by the Edison Ehie-led group of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The court upheld the suit filed by the Assembly and Speaker Martin Amaewhule against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, seeking an injunction to restrain the governor from frustrating the Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership.
Amidst a political crisis and the demolition of the Assembly Complex on December 13, 2023, Governor Fubara presented the 2024 budget proposal of N800bn to a limited group at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The Assembly Complex was demolished by the state government, and a court order restrained Ehie’s contender, Martins Amaewhule, from using it.
Ehie and pro-Fubara lawmakers passed the budget, emphasising its focus on economic development and addressing socio-economic inequality. Following Ehie’s resignation, Amaewhule was reinstated as the Assembly’s Speaker after discussions with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
Amaewhule and 25 lawmakers loyal to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike demanded that Fubara present the 2024 budget estimates afresh, leading to a legal dispute.
On Monday, Ken Njemanze, counsel for Amaewhule, accused Governor Fubara of interfering with the state lawmakers’ functions, violating the doctrine of the separation of powers.
Njemanze, therefore, sought an “order of injunction restraining the 1st to 10th defendants (NASS) from entertaining any request from the 11th defendant (Fubara) to take over the performance of the functions of Rivers Assembly, including its role to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Rivers in respect of matters that are within its constitutional and legislative competence.
“An order of mandatory injunction compelling the Inspector General of Police (whether by himself or by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force under his command) to provide and continue to provide adequate Security and protection for the 1st Plaintiff under the leadership of the 2nd Plaintiff as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for the purpose of transacting the business of the 1st Plaintiff.
“An order restraining Fubara including the 12th, 13th and 14th defendants from withholding any amount standing to the credit of Rivers Assembly in the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, including salaries and emoluments due and payable to the speaker, deputy speaker and other members of the house as well as to the clerk, deputy clerk and other members of staff of the assembly,” the plaintiff’s prayed among other reliefs.
Alternatively, the plaintiff sought an injunction restraining the respondents from withholding funds essential for the Assembly’s operations, encompassing salaries, allowances, emoluments, and meeting financial obligations, regardless of their description.
Initially, Justice James Omotosho noted that the 17th defendant, Ehie, stated through his attorney, Oluwole Aladedoye, that he had resigned from the Rivers State Assembly.
Omotosho asserted that Ehie lacks the capacity to sue or be sued in this case, given his resignation as the Speaker and a member of the Assembly.
Addressing the preliminary objection challenging his court’s jurisdiction, Omotosho affirmed that the suit was properly constituted before him.
Disagreeing with the plaintiffs regarding the governor’s powers, Omotosho noted that the authority to enact laws in a state is shared among the executive, the state Assembly, and local government areas.
Concerning the National Assembly taking over State Assembly functions, the judge clarified that such a scenario could only occur when state lawmakers are no longer conducting business, as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution and other relevant laws.
“There is nothing before this court showing that the River State House of Assembly is unable to carry out its functions,” Justice Omotosho said, and ruled that the issue was resolved in favour of the plaintiffs.
Justice Omotosho declared the removal of the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Emeka Amadi, who was redeployed by the Rivers State Head of Service, null and void, saying its invalidity in the eyes of the law.
Highlighting constitutional provisions, Omotosho clarified that the appointment of a Clerk and Deputy Clerk is the prerogative of the Rivers State Speaker, subject to confirmation by lawmakers. Their appointment and remuneration, although civil servants, are governed by the Rivers State House Of Assembly Law.
The judge asserted that the first plaintiff is entitled to funds in the credit of Rivers Assembly in the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, including salaries and emoluments.
He stressed that such entitlement cannot be halted by anyone, including the governor.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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