The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, has publicly criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for failing to disburse their statutory entitlements. During a press conference in Port Harcourt, Amaewhule asserted, “The end to this rascality is very near.”
In a significant move, the House declared the seats of three members vacant due to absenteeism. Amaewhule also cautioned Governor Fubara against ignoring a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of all 27 assembly members. “The Supreme Court has spoken, and the people of Rivers State are elated with this judgment,” he noted.
Amaewhule expressed gratitude to state leaders who backed the Assembly, particularly highlighting Wike’s assistance. He condemned the governor’s year-long refusal to honor the Assembly’s entitlements, suggesting that Fubara underestimated their resolve, which has only been bolstered by the Supreme Court’s recent decision.
Touching on Fubara’s alleged continuous disregard for court orders, Amaewhule emphasized that public scrutiny will now focus on whether the governor respects the Supreme Court’s ruling. Addressing vacancies in the Assembly, he clarified that one member had passed away, another had left their position, while the remaining three seats were declared vacant for absenteeism. Amaewhule urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to organize elections to fill these posts.
He reminded Fubara of injunctive orders from Justice Omotosho, which restrict him from withholding the Assembly’s funds, reiterating, “The end to this rascality is very near.” Furthermore, he underscored that Fubara has been utilizing taxpayer funds without appropriate authorization for over a year, in blatant violation of both Federal High Court and Court of Appeal rulings. “Today’s judgment confirms that Governor Fubara has been in gross violation of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” he concluded.
