Rivers Showdown: Opposition Coalition Refutes Claims Of Supreme Court Defeat For Fubara, Speaker Oko Jumbo

The Opposition Coalition has refuted reports claiming the Supreme Court ruled against Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Oko Jumbo, labeling such information as “false and misleading.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement on Tuesday, the coalition’s spokesperson, Ikenga Ugochinyere, clarified that the court’s decision did not favor the pro-Wike lawmakers, contrary to speculation in some quarters.

Ugochinyere explained that Governor Fubara did not lose any case at the Supreme Court; instead, he voluntarily withdrew his appeal concerning the 2024 budget, which had already been executed. He emphasized that no court ruling supported the pro-Wike lawmakers, dismissing such claims as “political propaganda” intended to mislead the public.

Oko Jumbo Still the Speaker – Ugochinyere

The coalition also reaffirmed that Victor Oko Jumbo remains the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, rejecting suggestions to the contrary. Ugochinyere urged the public to disregard narratives implying that the sacked pro-Wike lawmakers had secured any legal victory, asserting that Jumbo retains full control of the House.

He called on media outlets to verify facts before reporting on legal matters, cautioning against spreading misinformation that could mislead the public.

Reiterating his support for Governor Fubara, Ugochinyere encouraged him to stay focused on providing good governance to the people of Rivers State, despite ongoing political tensions.

He stated, “Today, the Supreme Court ruled on the appeal regarding the 2024 budget, which Governor Fubara voluntarily withdrew because the 2024 budget cycle has ended. There’s no need to waste time discussing a budget that has already been fully implemented.”

“The sacked, disgruntled Martin Amaewhule and the Pro-Wike group are celebrating out of ignorance regarding the Supreme Court’s decision. The judgment followed Governor Fubara’s withdrawal of the appeal through his lead counsel, Yusuf Ali SAN, who informed the three-man panel of Justices that the case was no longer relevant.”