The Rivers State Government has reacted to decision of the Supreme Court on issues relating to the 2024 budget passed by three members of the House of Assembly
Contrary of the story being pushed around in the media , it was Governor SIM Fubara's team that withdrew the case
The case also has nothing to do with the defection of 25 members of the Assembly from PDP to APC
Full statement by the Chief of Staff to Governor Sim Fubara
This appeal SC/CV/1071/ 2024: GOV of Rivers State v Rivers State House of Assembly & Ors that came up today at the Supreme Court has become purely academic.
The case leading to this appeal was before James Omotosho as SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023
It was filed on the 29th day of November 2023.
SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 pertains to the 2024 budget, which is no longer alive, the monies appropriated therein having been judiciously spent for the benefit of the good people of Rivers State
The 2024 budget became spent on the 31st December of 2024 fiscal year
The appeal is of no useful purpose in this year 2025, which has its own budget.
The only reasonable thing left to do in the circumstances was to withdraw the appeal and have it dismissed.
It would be most unwise to belabour the Honourable Court with academic appeals without any practical or utilitarian value.
It is important to note that after Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1613/2023 was filed on 29th November 2023, Martin Chike and his 26 friends defected from PDP to APC on the 11th Day of December, 2023. Their seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly became vacant.
This appeal that was withdrawn today has nothing to do with the seats of Martin Chike Amaewhule and his 26 friends in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The members of the public should not be taken in by the misleading propaganda by Martin Chike Amaewhule and his 26 friends
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Rivers State Government Debunks Misinformation on Supreme Court Appeal Withdrawal
The Rivers State Government has firmly dismissed claims that Governor Siminalayi Fubara's legal team withdrew its Supreme Court appeal as a concession or acceptance of any unfavorable court ruling. The state government clarified that the withdrawal was a procedural decision made in light of evolving circumstances, rather than a defeat, contrary to misleading narratives being circulated by political commentator Lere Olayinka.
In an official statement, government sources explained that the appeal was withdrawn in line with Order 11, Rule 14 of the Supreme Court Rules, which allows for such action when a case has been overtaken by events. Given that the Rivers State budget and governance priorities have significantly progressed into 2025, the legal team deemed further litigation unnecessary.
"This decision is purely pragmatic. The budget has moved beyond the matters in question, making it unnecessary to continue pursuing the appeal," a senior government official stated. "Governor Fubara remains steadfast in his commitment to governance and development. Any suggestion that this withdrawal indicates a legal defeat is not only incorrect but deliberately misleading."
The Rivers State Government also criticized the spread of false information, warning against attempts to distort legal decisions for political gains.
"Misrepresenting this legal process to mislead the public is unprofessional and irresponsible," the statement emphasized. "Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara is focused on delivering good governance and ensuring Rivers State continues to set the pace in Nigerian politics."
The government urged the public to disregard misinformation and instead focus on the tangible progress being recorded under Governor Fubara’s leadership.
Political observers have cautioned against the rising trend of misinformation in Nigeria’s political discourse. Analysts argue that responsible journalism and fact-based analysis are essential in ensuring public trust in governance processes.
Meanwhile, Rivers State continues to experience infrastructural growth, economic stability, and improved governance under Governor Fubara’s administration, reinforcing his reputation as a forward-thinking leader.
As Rivers State advances in 2025, the government remains committed to transparency and accountability. The recent Supreme Court appeal withdrawal should be seen for what it is—a strategic and legally sound decision—rather than a political concession.
For the people of Rivers State, the focus remains on continued development and governance under a visionary leader, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.