Pro-Wike Lawmakers Take More Actions Against Gov Fubara After Barring Him From Spending Rivers Money

Lawmakers in the Rivers State Assembly, loyal to Nyesom Wike, have taken decisive action against Governor Siminalayi Fubara after warning him against violating their directive not to spend from the state’s revenue without an appropriation law.

During the Assembly’s fourth Legislative Sitting held at the Assembly Quarters on Aba Road on Monday, the lawmakers accused Fubara of violating the Constitution by spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without the necessary legal authorization.

In a statement released by Martin Wachukwu, media aide to Speaker, the decision to bar Fubara from further spending was prompted by remarks from House Leader Major Jack. Jack highlighted that under Sections 121 and 122 of the Nigerian Constitution, Governor Fubara has been flagrantly violating the law by unauthorized spending.

Debating the issue, the Assembly members unanimously condemned Fubara’s actions and supported an immediate shutdown of expenditures from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Speaker Martin Amaewhule emphasized, “It is unfortunate that Governor Fubara now sees a violation of the Constitution and court judgments as a way of governance. As representatives of the people, the House cannot overlook these actions.”

The Assembly decided to formally notify Fubara of the shutdown and inform the Federal Government, relevant agencies, banks, and both local and foreign donor agencies of the situation, advising them to halt transactions with the Rivers State government until the 2024 Appropriation Law issues are resolved.

Attempts to reach Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or text messages.