Breaking: Supreme Court Restores Pro-Wike Lawmakers In Rivers, Sparks Political Tension

The Supreme Court on Friday affirmed the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly as the legally recognized legislative body in the state.

A five-member panel of justices, headed by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, delivered the ruling, with Justice Emmanuel Agim reading the lead judgment.

The court also issued an order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) from releasing budgetary allocations to Rivers State until a legally constituted Assembly enacts a valid Appropriation Act.

In a unanimous decision, the justices ruled that Amaewhule and the 26 lawmakers accused of defection should resume their legislative functions without any hindrance.

Furthermore, the court directed that all Assembly members be allowed to carry out their duties without external interference.

Justice Agim condemned Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions, accusing him of deliberately destabilizing the government by demolishing the Assembly complex over fears of impeachment.

Additionally, the Supreme Court overturned a previous Court of Appeal ruling, which held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over cases related to Rivers State funds.

As part of its judgment, the panel imposed a N5 million fine on Fubara and the Rivers State government, payable to the Rivers State House of Assembly and Amaewhule.