Hon. Igbini Odafe Emmanuel, a peace activist and mutual friend of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, has shared his thoughts on the withdrawal of Governor Fubara’s appeal at the Supreme Court, in an interview with DAILY INDEPENDENT.
Hon. Igbini said he was not surprised that legal experts had different interpretations of the decision.
He explained that legal issues often become more complicated when lawyers get involved.
According to him, the Supreme Court’s ruling was clear and straightforward, but some lawyers’ involvement had made the situation more complex.
He stated that by withdrawing the appeal, Governor Fubara and his legal team did not challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision.
This, he said, meant that the ruling of the lower court was final and binding on Fubara and others involved.
He stated that under Nigerian law, any claim not disputed in court is considered admitted.
The key issue in the ruling, according to Hon. Igbini, was the legitimacy of Hon. Martin Amaewhule and 25 other lawmakers as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He said the Supreme Court’s decision confirmed Amaewhule as the Speaker.
Hon. Igbini warned that any actions taken by Governor Fubara that required approval from the House but were not presented to Speaker Amaewhule were unconstitutional.
He insisted that such actions were null and void unless Fubara resubmitted them for approval.
He dismissed claims that the 2024 budget could not be revisited, stating that the Rivers State House of Assembly had the constitutional power to investigate how funds were spent.
He added that officials who had been appointed without the Assembly’s proper approval should go through a process of revalidation.
“The major and critical issue in the Judgement of the Court of Appeal now upheld by the Supreme Court is the affirmation of the legitimacy of Hon. Martin Amaewhule and the 25 other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as Speaker and members of the 10th House of Assembly, respectively. This is the bitter truth!” he said.
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