Supreme Court Dismisses Fubara’s Suit Against 27 Lawmakers

The Supreme Court led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji has dismissed a suit filed by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, seeking the removal of 27 members of the State House of Assembly who defected from the PDP to the APC.

The dismal came on Monday, February 10, after Fubara’s legal team, led by Yusuf Ali, withdrew the appeal, stating that “events had overtaken the suit.”

The court also awarded N4 million in costs against Fubara, to be paid to the Assembly and Amaewhule.

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Following the ruling, the lawmakers are now free to fully assume their roles in the assembly.

In December 2023, the 27 lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC, raising a constitutional debate on whether they should vacate their seats.

The Federal High Court in January 2024 ruled the Rivers State N800 billion 2024 budget invalid because it was passed by only four lawmakers loyal to Fubara. The court found the approval unconstitutional due to lack of quorum.

The Federal High Court judge had criticized Fubara for obstructing the pro-Wike lawmakers, withholding funds, and demolishing parts of the Assembly complex, calling it an “affront to the separation of powers.” The court ordered the reinstatement of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk and instructed the governor to release withheld funds.

The judge also barred the National Assembly from intervening in the state’s legislative matters.