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Court Stops Rivers’ Allocation

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A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has held that the decision by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the Rivers State’s 2024 Appropriation Bill to a four-member Assembly, that was not properly constituted, should not be allowed to stand.

 

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik thus ruled and restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing financial allocations to the Rivers State Government until a lawful appropriation act is passed by a validly constituted House of Assembly.

This decision was in response to a suit filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule.

Justice Abdulmalik held that the decision by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the Rivers State’s 2024 Appropriation Bill to a four-member Assembly, that was not properly constituted, should not be allowed to stand.

The court order essentially puts a hold on any further funding to the Rivers State Government until the necessary legislative steps are taken.

This means that the state’s financial activities will be on hold until the House of Assembly passes a lawful appropriation act.

It was reported that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja affirmed Martin Amaewhule as the recognised Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

 

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja had also nullified the N800billion budget passed by the Edison Ehie-led group of the Rivers State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

 

The court also upheld the suit filed by the Assembly and Speaker Martin Amaewhule, against Fubara, which sought an order of injunction restraining the governor from frustrating the Assembly under his leadership as speaker, among others.

 

On December 13, 2023, in the heat of the protracted political crisis rocking the oil-rich state and the demolition of the Assembly Complex, Fubara presented the 2024 budget proposal of N800bn to five members of the State Assembly led by Edison Ehie.

 

The presentation was done at the Government House in Port Harcourt, following the demolition of the Assembly Complex by the state government and after a court restrained Ehie’s contender, Martins Amaewhule, from using the Assembly Complex.

 

Ehie and the other pro-Fubara lawmakers passed the budget estimates and the governor signed the bill into law, saying it is aimed at promoting economic development through inclusive growth and addressing socio-economic inequality in the state.

 

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Abuja Reports

SERAP Advocates Against Cars, Houses for Judges

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to halt the practice of governors and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, providing cars and houses to judges, arguing that it compromises judicial independence.

In an open letter signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization claims that such gifts infringe upon the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) authority, risking the judiciary’s impartiality and public trust.

SERAP contends that the practice is “antithetical to constitutional principles” of separation of powers and could create the impression that the judiciary is beholden to the executive.

The group has urged Tinubu to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to challenge the legality of these practices in court.

According to SERAP, “Politicians must respect the independence of the judiciary and refrain from actions that may compromise its dignity.”

The letter further asserts that Tinubu’s administration is constitutionally obliged to uphold the rule of law and preserve public confidence in the judiciary’s impartiality.

SERAP warned it may pursue legal action to compel compliance if the federal and state governments do not act on its request.

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Obaseki Urges Okpebholo to Prioritise Security in Edo State

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Outgoing Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has issued a stern warning to incoming Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, emphasizing that prioritizing politics over security could lead to significant challenges for the state.

Obaseki delivered this message during a recent security briefing in Benin with key state security officials.

“My advice to the incoming administration is to take security seriously and never prioritize politics over security.

“Citizens deserve a safe environment, and if politics overshadows security, there will be problems,” Obaseki said.

Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Obaseki highlighted how his team has strengthened Edo’s security architecture since 2016, positioning the state as one of Nigeria’s safest regions for living and business.

Through strategic partnerships with security agencies and heavy investment in technology, his administration documented and responded to incidents statewide, fostering a climate that attracted investors and fueled economic growth.

He attributed Edo’s improved security landscape to a collaborative approach with security agencies, urging the incoming administration to build on these foundations.

“We’ve shown it’s possible with the right people and resources. Now, we need all stakeholders on board to secure our state—and ultimately, our nation,” he added.

Obaseki’s message leaves a clear mandate for Okpebholo: put security above politics to sustain Edo State’s progress.

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Tinubu Arrives Riyadh for Arab-Islamic Summit

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday to attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, convened to address the crisis in the Middle East.

The summit, organized at the invitation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, will bring together leaders from across the Arab and Islamic worlds to discuss critical regional issues, with a focus on the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga stated that Tinubu, who landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport and was welcomed by Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Abdulaziz, will advocate for an immediate ceasefire and emphasize Nigeria’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.

Tinubu is also expected to promote renewed international efforts to revive the two-state solution as a long-term approach to lasting peace.

“The President will highlight Nigeria’s strong call for a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, and will push for renewed global focus on the two-state solution,” Onanuga explained.

The summit, set to commence on Monday, November 11, is anticipated to provide a significant platform for dialogue on pathways to stability in the region.

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