By Joy Ejimaonu

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja has nullified the 800 billion naira budget passed by the Edison Ehie-led group of the Rivers State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The court also upheld the suit filed by the Assembly and Speaker Martin Amaewhule, against Fubara, which sought an order of injunction restraining the governor from frustrating the Assembly under his leadership as speaker, among others.

On the 13th of December, 2023, in the heat of the protracted political crisis rocking the oil-rich state and the demolition of the Assembly Complex, Fubara presented the 2024 budget proposal of 800 Billion Naira to five members of the State Assembly led by Edison Ehie.

Justice Omotosho in his ruling declared the presentation of the bill to the five lawmakers void and granted the order setting aside the purported Appropriation Bill signed by Governor Fubara, despite the interim order of his court, restraining him.