Court Allows Governor to Use Public Funds Amid Wike/Fubara Dispute

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike 

Governor Fubara's access to public funds remains unblocked despite a lawsuit by the Rivers State House of Assembly. The legal battle continues, with the governor vowing to lead with integrity and urging supporters to unite and protect the state's interests.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has denied a request to restrain Governor Siminalayi Fubara from accessing public funds, pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

In his ruling on the motion ex parte, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/984/24, Justice Emeka Nwite declined to grant the plaintiffs' request to block the governor's access to government funds. However, he ordered the plaintiffs to serve the defendants with the necessary court documents, paving the way for the legal battle to proceed.

Justice Nwite did approve the motion ex parte to serve notice to the 5th to 10th defendants using alternative methods, stating: “The leave is hereby granted to the plaintiffs/applicants, to serve the 5th to 10th defendants/respondents with the plaintiffs/applicants' originating, and any other process (es) filed or issued in this suit by substituted means to wit: by publishing same in the Nation Newspapers.”

The court has adjourned the case until August 7 to consider the motion on notice, allowing the parties to prepare their arguments.

The defendants in the case include Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Accountant-General of Rivers State, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice S.C. Amadi, the Chairperson of RSIEC, Adolphus Enebeli, and the Rivers State Government, who are listed as the 5th to 10th defendants in the suit.

The Rivers State House of Assembly and its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, represented by their counsel, Joseph Daudu SAN, filed a lawsuit against the Central Bank of Nigeria, Zenith Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc, and the Accountant General of the Federation, who are the 1st to 4th defendants.

This legal development comes on the heels of Governor Siminalayi Fubara's recent declaration that he will not be influenced by political pressures and will continue to lead the state with integrity, despite the ongoing legal battle.

“I will not, I repeat, I will not govern our dear State on my knees (bending). If that was the purpose, I would not do that. I will stand to govern our dear State and stand continually on the side of right,” the governor emphasised.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara revealed that there is a concerted effort to compromise the integrity of the state, but he remains optimistic that he will emerge victorious with the support of his loyal backers.

The governor made these remarks on Saturday at the residence of Sir Celestine Omehia in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he received encouragement and solidarity from his supporters.

During a condolence visit to Sir Celestine Omehia's residence in Ubima, Governor Siminalayi Fubara joined other state elders in paying their respects following the passing of Omehia's mother, Ezinne Cecilia Omehia. Seizing the opportunity, Fubara urged Omehia and the gathered elders to stand united and resolute in their efforts to safeguard the interests and integrity of Rivers State.

“And I am happy to say, and I've said it over and again, it doesn't matter the number of people that are standing with me, I will stand on that side of truth.”

He appealed to all those who genuinely care about Rivers State to refrain from engaging in any activities that could potentially undermine the state's progress, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

“Anybody who claims to love this State should not be party to anything, directly or indirectly, that will bring us backwards,” he said.