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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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Presidency Debunks Misconceptions on ‘Tax Reform Bills’, Advocates Constructive Engagement

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By Alexis Uchendu

The Presidency has addressed growing misconceptions about the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly, dismissing claims that the proposed reforms aim to eliminate critical government agencies or marginalize specific regions of the country.

In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the government clarified that the reforms are designed to streamline Nigeria’s tax system, ease the burden on businesses, and foster a more competitive economy.

“The bills do not propose the abolition of agencies such as NASENI, TETFUND, or NITDA.

“Rather, they recommend consolidating multiple taxes into a unified system shared by these agencies until 2030.

“This ensures the agencies have sufficient time to explore alternative funding mechanisms alongside budgetary allocations,” the statement explained.

According to Onanuga, the reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu seek to resolve longstanding concerns about the complexity of Nigeria’s tax regime, which has discouraged investment and driven businesses abroad.

By replacing inefficient earmarked taxes with a unified framework, the government aims to prioritize national development while reducing financial strain on businesses.

The Presidency criticized attempts to politicize the reform process, urging stakeholders to engage constructively during the National Assembly’s forthcoming public hearings.

Onanuga emphasized the importance of avoiding divisive rhetoric, stating:
“Leaders and citizens alike must refrain from inflaming public sentiments or polarizing the nation for political gain.

“Instead, we should focus on modernizing outdated tax laws to achieve sustainable growth and development,” he explained.

The Tax Reform Bills represent a key component of the Tinubu administration’s broader economic agenda, aimed at improving fiscal efficiency and creating a more conducive environment for investment and economic growth.

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Edo Governor Swears in Three NJC-Recommended Judges Previously Rejected by Obaseki

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By Alexis Uchendu

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has sworn in three judges recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC), rectifying a delay in their appointment under the previous administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday at the Government House in Benin City.

Governor Okpebholo underscored his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary and upholding the doctrine of Separation of Powers.

He remarked: “In June 2023, the NJC recommended eight individuals for appointments as judges of the Edo State High Court.

“While five were sworn in by the past administration, three were excluded.

“Today, we are privileged to address that omission and ensure justice prevails,” he said.

The newly sworn-in judges—Justice Ojo Maureen Osa, Justice Okundamiya Godwin Jeff, and Justice Edoghogho Eboigbe—were urged to dispense justice without bias and protect the rights of all citizens.

Governor Okpebholo reiterated his stance against marginalization, adding: “No individual should face discrimination or hatred due to personal reasons or the absence of political godfathers.”

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Justice Ojo Maureen Osa expressed gratitude for the opportunity and vowed to uphold justice. She assured: “We will deliver justice without fear or favor, contributing to a fair and effective judiciary. May your tenure, Governor, be marked by success and the promotion of justice for all.”

The move fulfills Okpebholo’s inauguration promise in November 2024 to address judicial challenges and ensure a robust justice system in Edo State.

The swearing-in highlights his administration’s dedication to rectifying past oversights and strengthening the judiciary for the betterment of the state.

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PAP Clarifies AGF’s Audit Report, Attributes Infractions to Previous Leadership

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By Alexis Uchendu

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has addressed concerns raised by the Auditor-General of the Federation’s (AGF), audit report, clarifying that the alleged financial irregularities highlighted in the document occurred before the tenure of the current leadership.

The PAP confirmed that the infractions, including unauthorized withdrawals exceeding ₦6 billion and undocumented tuition payments, pertain to events from 2020 to 2021.

In a statement issued on Monday, Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, emphasized that these issues are unrelated to the present administration.

Dr. Otuaro, appointed in March 2024, has since prioritized financial accountability and operational reform within the organization.

The statement read: “Since his appointment, Dr. Otuaro has strictly adhered to extant rules and regulations governing financial transactions.

Under his leadership, the PAP office has implemented stringent financial controls and oversight mechanisms to promote transparency and accountability.”

Dr. Otuaro has also initiated a thorough review of the Programme’s operations,

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