The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the ruling of the Federal High Court that annulled the ₦800 billion budget passed by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Edison Ehie.
The appellate court dismissed the appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, deeming it lacking in merit.
In its ruling, the court noted that Governor Fubara had previously withdrawn his counter-affidavit during the proceedings at the lower court, which subsequently barred him from initiating an appeal in a case he had not contested at the trial level.
The judges emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law, cautioning that the current political dynamics within the Rivers State House of Assembly reflect what they described as “executive dictatorship” under Governor Fubara’s leadership.
The court characterized the situation as a “joke taken too far,” highlighting the potential threats to democratic governance in the state.
More details later…