July 15, (THEWILL) – A faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, has shut down all expenditures of the state government, pending the re-presentation of the 2024 budget estimates of the State to them.
THEWILL had last week reported that the lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget before it for consideration and approval.
Recall that Governor Fubara had in December 2023, signed the budget of N800 billion into law after presenting it before lawmakers led by the former Speaker, Edison Ehie, who passed it into law.
At its Plenary session on Monday, the final Leader of the House, Major Jack, raised the motion informing the House about the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum given to the governor to present the 2024 budget before the House.
The House resolved that the governor was no longer allowed to approve or authorise expenditure from the consolidated revenue fund of the state, nor are ministries permitted to spend public funds until the 2024 budget is presented.
Last week, a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, restrained Governor Fubara, the Chief Judge of the State from dealing with the Martins Amaewhule’s led State Assembly.
 Justice Jumbo Stephen, who issued the order, also, restrained Governor Fubara and the Rivers State chief judge, as well as the clerk from acting on any resolutions, articles of impeachment, or communications from pro-Wike lawmakers. Motion on notice for Interlocutory injunction.
