In this eventful year for Rivers State politics, one captivating court case has garnered attention: the seizure of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The assembly, represented by Martin Amaewhule, filed a petition before Justice Emeka Nwite seeking to restrain Governor Siminalay Fubara from accessing state funds until he presents the 2024 Finance Bill before the assembly.
In a complex legal twist, the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Right Honourable Amaewhule have positioned themselves as first and second plaintiffs, suing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Zenith Bank Plc and Access Bank Plc, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Rivers Governor Fubara, and the Accountant General of Rivers as first to sixth defendants respectively.
The main application is for an interlocutory injunction to restrain the CBN, Zenith and Access Banks, as well as the AGF, from honouring any demand or financial direction issued by Fubara for revenues of Rivers State or Rivers Government in their possession for the benefit of the State or the Government.
The legal saga took a new turn when Justice Nwite refused to grant the plaintiffs’ unilateral application to suspend the State’s expenditure pending the hearing of the matter. The hearing was adjourned to August 7 for further consideration.
At the last hearing, the legal counsel of the Rivers assembly raised arguments relating to changes of counsel and an application to add co-plaintiffs, including the current Speaker Victor Oko Jumbo, thereby challenging the authority of the initiator of the action Amaewhule.
This complex situation highlights the political and legal tensions that can emerge within government institutions, highlighting the importance of due process and respect for institutional prerogatives.
This ongoing court case promises to keep political and legal observers on their toes, offering a fascinating insight into the dynamics of power and authority within Rivers State.