News
Court Rejects Demand to Compel Governor Fubara to Re-Present 2024 Budget to Dissatisfied Lawmakers
By Favour Bibaikefie
A High Court in Rivers State, sitting in Port Harcourt, has dismissed a case filed to compel Governor Siminalayi Fubara to re-submit the N800 billion 2024 budget to 27 discontented lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule.
The suit, filed by the Registered Trustees of Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, named the Rivers State Government, Governor, and Attorney General as defendants. The group sought an order from Justice Sika Aprioku for the re-presentation of the budget to the lawmakers in question.
The case, referenced as Suit No. PHC/3552/CS/2024, was initiated on October 27, 2024, through an originating summons. The claimants challenged the state government’s decision not to re-present the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly faction led by Amaewhule for legislative approval.
During proceedings on November 12, 2024, defense counsel Lawrence Oko-Jaja (SAN) presented documents recalling that between December 2015 and February 2017, only six members of the Rivers State House of Assembly conducted legislative business under Speaker Adams Dabotorudima. This arrangement included the passage of the 2017 Appropriation Bill and the confirmation of appointments during Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration, despite not meeting the required quorum of 24 members.
Oko-Jaja noted that on December 23, 2015, six Assembly members confirmed the appointment of Hon. Daisy Wotube Okocha as the state’s Chief Judge, with Speaker Dabotorudima notifying Governor Wike of the decision. Okocha was subsequently sworn in on January 4, 2016.
He further stated, “On March 3, 2016, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, under a letter, REF: RVSG/GH/RVHA/VOL/1/030, requested the House of six members to confirm the appointment of Hon. Justice Adama Iyayi-Laminkara as Substantive Chief Judge. The confirmation was given on March 7, 2016, and communicated to Governor Wike via a letter, RVHA/ADM/36/VOL.1/32, on the same date.”
Delivering judgment on December 20, 2024, Justice Aprioku ruled that Governor Fubara could only engage with Assembly members who had not vacated their seats.
“The governor cannot transact business with lawmakers who defected and, by doing so, lost their seats. As Governor Nyesom Wike conducted legislative business with only six members in the past, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is constitutionally allowed to engage the current House led by Rt. Hon. Oko-Jumbo. This arrangement will remain until the 27 defected lawmakers either seek legal redress or new elections are held to fill their vacant seats,” Justice Aprioku stated.
He continued, “Until the Supreme Court resolves the jurisdictional issues affecting the status of these 27 lawmakers, the governor can only present budgets, appoint Chief Judges, and carry out other legislative duties with the remaining members. Any attempt to engage the defected lawmakers would be unconstitutional.”
Justice Aprioku concluded by dismissing the claimant’s request for declaratory and injunctive reliefs, describing it as lacking merit. He also awarded a cost of N500,000 against the claimant in favor of the defendants.
“This suit is hereby dismissed with N500,000 awarded in costs to the defendants,” the judge ruled.
Port Harcourt, Rivers State – As graduands gets convocated from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Nigeria’s former First Lady, Dame Patience Good luck Jonathan, was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, women empowerment, and public service.
The ceremony, which took place at the university’s main campus in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including political leaders, academics, and members of the public. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, lauded Dame Jonathan’s enduring commitment to national development and her tireless efforts in advocating for girl-child education and woman right.
“Dame Patience Jonathan has, over the years, demonstrated a rare passion for service, education, and humanitarian work. Her philanthropic initiatives, especially in empowering underprivileged women, are worthy of emulation; said Professor Onuchuku during his address.
In her acceptance speech, Dame Jonathan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the university’s for the honor bestowed upon her. She dedicated the award to Nigerian women and pledge to continue championing causes that promote education and gender equality.
“This recognition is not just for me, but for every Nigerian women striving to make a difference. I remain committed to using my voice and platform to uplift others, difference. I remain committed to using my voice and platform to uplift others, particularly the girl-child,” she stated.
The honorary decorate highlights the former First Lady’s enduring legacy and the impact of her initiatives, including the women for Change Development initiative, which has empowered thousands of women across Nigeria.
The event marked a significant milestone in the university’s history and reaffirmed it’s commitment to recognizing individuals who have contributed meaningfully to societal progress.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone — covering Delta, Edo, and Ondo states led by Comrade Nicholas Igarama — will solemnly mark the 57th anniversary of Boro Day at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Warri, Delta State. The event will feature a dynamic procession through the streets of Warri, followed by an insightful symposium aimed at celebrating and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ijaw fallen hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. Born in 1938 in the Niger Delta region, Major Boro was a Nigerian nationalist, soldier, and activist who passionately championed the rights of his people long before Biafra Republic causes.
In February 1966, Major Boro declared the Niger Delta Republic — a bold and unprecedented move — in an effort to free the Niger Delta region from the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian federal government in collution with multinational oil companies. Though short-lived, this declaration sparked a significant movement for self-determination, environmental justice, and economic fairness in the oil-rich region.
Boro’s armed struggle, sacrifices, and calls for equity continue to inspire generations of Ijaws and Niger Delta activists fighting for justice, resource control, and political representation.
Major Boro, who died in combat on March 9, 1968, remains a revered Niger Delta nationalist and freedom fighter.
The 2025 Boro Day Commemoration
This year’s Boro Day celebration in Warri will bring together Ijaw youths, community leaders, cultural groups, and sympathizers from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states to honor Major Boro’s memory. The procession will wind through key parts of Warri, symbolizing unity and resilience among the Ijaw people.
Following the procession, a symposium will convene at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, where distinguished speakers and historians will share insights on Major Boro’s impact and the ongoing struggle for the Niger Delta’s development and recognition.
While the Warri event is the focal point for the Western Zone, Ijaws worldwide will also hold events commemorating Major Boro’s sacrifice and vision, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his legacy.
* Tompolo doesn’t spray money; he cannot be held accountable for actions of unknown individuals – Ozobo, IPDI
A leading Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin who doubles as the National president of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has come forward to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, from the recent allegations of monetary abuse levied by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Niger Delta activist emphasized that there is no concrete evidence supporting the claims presented in the controversial and manipulative viral video that Tompolo sprayed money. He asserted that it is unjust to hold Tompolo responsible for the misdeeds of others.
Comrade Ozobo further alleged that the EFCC has been misled by individuals involved in oil theft and by naive Nigerians whose motives are grounded in envy and jealousy.
He said Tompolo who has great respect for the country’s laws will not condescend low to abuse the law, adding that it would have been better for EFCC to have looked for the unknown individuals responsible for the abuse of the naira in the viral video than dragging the innocent man to disrepute.
The Niger Delta advocate warned mischief makers to invest their time into a meaningful ventures and pursue responsible causes rather than making propaganda against the innocent Tompolo.
He emphasised that Tompolo would not respond to social media critics and unschooled individuals who take joy in manipulating fellow brothers.
Ozobo urged EFCC to be a noble organization and not to allow evil men and unscrupulous social media influencers to instigate them into commenting on unnecessary issues that were capable of threatening the fragile peace of Niger Delta.