The Supreme Court ruling on the appeal by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara against the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly is unrelated to the issue of who holds the legitimate position of Speaker, according to human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Falana explained that the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal not on merit, but due to its withdrawal by the governor.
He clarified that the governor instructed his lawyers to withdraw the appeal, stating that it had become an academic matter as the issues involved were no longer relevant.
Falana emphasized that the court did not rule on the Speaker’s legitimacy.
Read Also: Supreme Court Dismisses Fubara’s Appeal Challenging Amaewhule-Led Assembly
The dispute, which originated from the Federal High Court, concerned the 2024 budget proposal that had already been passed, making further litigation unnecessary.
A five-judge panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, dismissed the appeal after the governor’s lawyer, Yusuf Ali, withdrew the case.
The Rivers Assembly has been in turmoil since 2023 when more than 25 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This shift led to a power struggle in the Assembly, with Amaewhule’s leadership challenged by a rival group loyal to Fubara, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.
Falana argued that three members of the state Assembly can still perform legislative duties, except for matters related to impeachment.
He also maintained that the 27 members who defected to the APC lost their seats, as their positions were declared vacant following their party switch.
