The Speaker of the Pro Wike’s group lawmakers, Honourable Martins Amaewhule has reacted after Governor Siminalayi Fubara said he will not obey the appeal court judgement to re-present the budget before the 27 lawmakers. He expressed concern that the governor’s actions reflect an imperial attitude, undermining the principles of governance and the rule of law.
He stated that the governor’s intention to disregard a court of appeal’s judgment means that he would continue to pay salaries, withdraw funds, and fulfill obligations to contractors regardless of the legal ruling. This, he argued, demonstrates a blatant disregard for the Constitution and the legal framework governing Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
He said in a live coverage with Symfoni from 7:24, ‘The same way people elected him, it’s the same way we were all elected in our constituencies. But he sees himself as an emperor who is above the law, honorable members. We have it on record that this same Governor, shortly after the judgment of the court of appeal, told the media and Rivers people that he will not obey the judgment.
He said it on camera that he will not obey the judgment, that he will go ahead and pay salaries, withdraw funds, and continue to spend and pay contractors. So, it goes to show that Rivers State is in a big problem. We have elected a man who will never abide by the Constitution and laws of this state or of this country. It’s quite a shame, in the committee of states, that we have a governor who cannot be trusted with power.”