The ongoing conflict between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and legislators loyal to his former mentor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has intensified and reached the Supreme Court. This follows a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal, which the pro-Fubara faction has contested, as reported by Punch.
Victor Oko Jumbo, the Speaker for the pro-Fubara lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly, announced that his group has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court. This appeal challenges the Appeal Court’s decision in Abuja, which overturned a previous Rivers State High Court order that had barred pro-Wike lawmakers from functioning as legitimate members of the Assembly.
The Appeal Court determined that only the Federal High Court holds the jurisdiction to address matters concerning the lawmakers.
Governor Fubara, reacting to the ruling, underscored his administration’s dedication to ongoing infrastructure projects despite the legal challenges. During an inspection of reconstruction work at the Zonal Hospital in Bori Town, Khana Local Government Area, he reassured the public of his commitment. In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara said, “Government has its own challenges. If you go to the book of Psalm 23 verse 5, in the Bible, it says that God prepares a table before you; it can be before anybody. But there is an underlined word that should be noted there: it said ‘in the presence of your enemies’. So, it means that nothing comes easy. I want to assure every one of you and the good people of Rivers State, that we are not deterred. We have made our promises; we will continue to give you good governance, no matter how difficult it is. But, like I said before, the worst is over. We are moving on to ensure that we continue to provide what is needed for the development of our State.”
Dr. G. M. Gillis-West, the factional Clerk of the House, released a statement in Port Harcourt outlining the rationale for appealing to the Supreme Court. Oko Jumbo argued that the Appeal Court’s judgment was flawed. “There cannot be two Houses of Assembly in Rivers State or indeed any State in Nigeria. This House of Assembly, with me as the Speaker, is the only House of Assembly in Rivers State. The Court of Appeal also did not make any declaration that Martin Amaewhule and 24 ORS are still members of the RSHA. We strongly believe that the Court of Appeal was in error when it held that the Rivers State High Court lacked the jurisdiction to hear and determine SUIT NO PHC/1512/CS/2024. Accordingly, we have instructed our lawyers and they have filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Nigeria challenging the judgment of the Court of Appeal delivered on the 4th Day of July, 2024. Martin Amaewhule & 24 others, in spite of all their pretences, are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and they remain so until a court of competent jurisdiction says otherwise,” Oko Jumbo stated.