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By Our Reporter
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja has warned Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. saying the court is against any plan to jeopardise democracy, warning that a governor should not “exceed his power”.
The judge thereby declared that the governor of Rivers State, by himself or by members of the staff of the Rivers State Public Service are not entitled to take steps aimed at interfering the affairs of the River State House of Assembly, and the Speaker, in the performance of their duties.
The judge said the governor cannot withhold the due funds of the lawmakers in the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.
The judge subsequently restrained the National Assembly from accepting any requests from the governor.
The judge also observed that the governor’s legal team had withdrawn all his processes in the matter, adding that it means that he admitted all the facts stated by the plaintiffs.
The judge held that based on facts before his court, Amaewhule remained the valid Speaker of the Rivers State Assembly.
The judge said the purported sitting of Ehie and four other lawmakers who sat to pass the budget of the state is null and void.
Omotosho said the court found it strange that the governor would destroy the Rivers State Assembly building as well as present appropriation bill to five lawmakers.
He declared the presentation of the bill to the five lawmakers void.
The judge granted the order setting aside the purported Appropriation Bill signed, despite the interim order of his court, restraining him.
The judge also granted the order restraining the governor from continuing the demolition or construction of the Rivers State building.
The court said all the acts of the governor with four lawmakers is a nullity and he should go through the lawmakers presided by Amaewhule.
