In a press release issued on Monday, the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition clarified that no Supreme Court judgment has been delivered against Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. Instead, the apex court’s recent ruling was simply a formal confirmation of the governor’s decision to withdraw his appeal over the 2024 budget—a budget that has since been fully executed and is no longer under contention. The statement also reiterated that Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Oko Jumbo, remains firmly in charge of the legislature, quashing rumors of any change in leadership.
The press statement, issued by the Coalition for Credible and Transparent Elections, comes amid swirling rumors and politically charged narratives propagated by disgruntled elements within the opposition. According to the coalition, these rumors have been aimed at discrediting Governor Fubara and undermining the established leadership structure within Rivers State. Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, detailed the developments in a statement that has since circulated widely on social media and in political circles.
“Today the Supreme Court ruled on the appeal over the 2024 budget voluntarily withdrawn by Gov. Fubara because the 2024 budget cycle has ended and there is no need to waste time discussing a budget that has been fully spent and implemented,” Ugochinyere stated. He emphasized that the withdrawal was a strategic decision informed by the fact that the funds allocated under the 2024 budget had already been utilized, and a new appropriation cycle for 2025 was now in effect.
Ugochinyere further explained that the withdrawal was communicated to a three-man panel of justices by Governor Fubara’s lead counsel, Yusuf Ali SAN. “For those who don’t know, such events, as mentioned by His Excellency Governor Fubara, include the fact that the 2024 budget has been fully executed and exhausted. Consequently, the case is statute-barred,” he added.
The spokesperson criticized the reaction of some elements within the opposition, notably those aligned with the pro-Wike camp and individuals like Martin Amaewhule, who have been celebrating what they mistakenly believe to be a Supreme Court ruling against the governor. “The sacked, disgruntled Martin Amaewhule and the Pro-Wike group are jubilating, out of ignorance of what informed the decision of the apex court,” Ugochinyere said. He urged media outlets and the public to verify facts before disseminating politically motivated narratives that could destabilize the governance structure of the state.
In addition to clarifying the budget matter, the press release underscored that no court has ruled in favor of the pro-Wike sacked lawmakers. The Coalition reaffirmed that Hon. Oko Jumbo remains the authentic Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. “Let it be known that Speaker Oko Jumbo is still in charge and in control of the legislature in our South-South state, as the pro-Wike sacked lawmakers and their gang leader, Amaewhule, remain removed from office,” Ugochinyere stressed.
This clarification is particularly significant in the context of the 2024 budget controversy. When Governor Fubara initially appealed against the budget, critics argued that the move was politically motivated, designed to contest funding allocations that were viewed as inequitable. However, with the withdrawal of the appeal, the case has effectively been rendered moot, as the budget in question was already fully executed and replaced by the 2025 appropriation. By voluntarily withdrawing the appeal, Governor Fubara and his legal team demonstrated a pragmatic approach aimed at preventing further political wrangling and ensuring the continuity of governance.
The Opposition Lawmakers Coalition’s statement also serves as a reminder to all Nigerians, particularly those in Rivers State, to rely on credible sources for information. Ugochinyere urged the media and the public to exercise caution and to verify reports before accepting them as fact. “We task the media with truthful reportage by verifying facts before reporting on legal issues. It is imperative that our discourse is rooted in truth and not manipulated by political propaganda,” he said.
Read also: https://symfoninews.com/why-fubara-withdrew-suit-against-amaewuhle/
Looking ahead, the Coalition called on Governor Fubara to remain focused on delivering good governance and to ignore the political shenanigans aimed at diverting attention from the state’s developmental agenda. “We urge Governor Fubara to continue prioritizing the welfare of the people of Rivers State. Let the focus remain on effective governance rather than on political theatrics,” Ugochinyere concluded.
In summary, the Supreme Court’s decision, following Governor Fubara’s voluntary withdrawal of his appeal, marks a clear resolution of the 2024 budget dispute. More importantly, it reaffirms the established leadership structure in Rivers State, with Speaker Oko Jumbo continuing in his role. The Opposition Lawmakers Coalition’s detailed statement calls for a return to fact-based discourse and urges all stakeholders to support the ongoing governance efforts for the betterment of the state and the nation.
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