Emomotimi Urges Court to Dismiss Isoko Lawyer’s Suit on Delta 2025 Budget

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has called on the Delta State High Court in Oleh to dismiss a suit filed by two Isoko lawyers challenging the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The suit, filed by Ejumejowo Anthony Esq. and Dr. Oke Michael Aziakpono, demanded explanations on the process used to pass the bill, naming the Attorney-General, Commissioner of Finance, the House of Assembly, and the Speaker as respondents.

Represented by Senior Advocate Dr. Ayo Asala, the Speaker’s legal team argued that the suit lacks merit and jurisdiction. They stated that the Delta State Government’s expenditure is based on an annual fiscal budget presented by the Governor and approved by a two-thirds majority vote in the House. The team also noted that the Appropriation Law is publicly accessible, and the recent awarding of infrastructure contracts across 23 local government areas, including Isoko North and South, has been fairly distributed.

Dr. Asala further stressed that no coercion or intimidation influenced the bill’s passage, emphasizing the independence of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary arms of government. The legal response rejected allegations of discrimination against Isoko areas, pointing out ongoing infrastructure projects such as roads and university facilities within those localities.

The defense concluded that the plaintiffs lack the legal standing to bring the case and that the suit fails to disclose any reasonable cause of action. They urged the court to dismiss the case, stating it raises factual disputes unsuitable for constitutional interpretation and that the Appropriation Bill aligns with the government’s commitment to equitable development across all 25 local government areas of Delta State.