JUST IN: Amaewhule-led Rivers assembly accuses Fubara of constitutional breaches

The Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of breaching the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

In a letter dated July 8, 2024, signed by its factional Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, and sent to Fubara on Monday, the House highlighted the governor’s actions that breached the Constitution.

In the letter, the House drew Fubara’s attention to the 2024 Appropriation Bill, saying he was yet to present it before a duly constituted House of Assembly under the speakership of Amaewhule in line with Section 121 of the Constitution.

Addressing the governor, the House said, “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 judgement 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.”

The Rivers Assembly also drew the governor’s attention to his breach of 192(2) of the Constitution, accusing him of inaugurating purported members of the Rivers State Executive Council as commissioners.

The lawmakers told the governor that he also breached Section 7(1) of the Constitution and the Rivers State local government (Amendment) Law 2023 for swearing in certain unelected individuals to manage the affairs of the 23 local government areas in the state in flagrant disobedience to the judgment delivered by Justice Omotosho.

“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 told the governor.

The lawmakers said Fubara in total disregard to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended and the judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, continued to transact with the three suspended members in contempt of the orders of the court.

The Amawhule-led assembly said the governor refused to direct all impostors in his government to stop parading in their purported positions.

The House added, “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.

“We call on you to do the needful and act lawfully without further delay and please accept the assurances of our high regards.”