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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.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice