In a landmark decision, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court, setting aside the N800 billion budget passed by five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Edison Ehie. The appellate court dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appeal, citing lack of merit.
The court’s ruling centered on Governor Fubara’s withdrawal of his counter-affidavit at the lower court, rendering him ineligible to appeal a case he didn’t challenge during the trial stage . This decision reaffirms the Federal High Court’s initial ruling on January 22, 2024, which declared the budget’s passage illegal and unconstitutional .
– Budget Nullification: The N800 billion budget passed by five Rivers State House of Assembly members led by Edison Ehie has been nullified.
– Appeal Dismissal: Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appeal was dismissed due to lack of merit.
– Grounds for Dismissal: Fubara withdrew his counter-affidavit at the lower court, making him ineligible to appeal.
This development marks a significant turn in the Rivers State budget saga, emphasizing the importance of adherence to legal procedures and the rule of law.
