Court declares Rivers 2024 budget illegal

The Federal High Court in Abuja nullified on Monday the N800 billion 2024 budget that was signed into law by Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers State Governor.

In December, the governor presented an N800bn 2024 Appropriation Bill to a faction of the state House of Assembly, comprising only four lawmakers.

Following the passage of the budget by the lawmakers, Fubara subsequently signed the budget into law.

The Rivers Assembly became divided following a move by 27 lawmakers who were loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike to impeach Fubara.

James Omotosho, the presiding judge, held that everything done by the four lawmakers was null and void.

The court also recognised Martin Amaewhule as the speaker of the state assembly.