In a surprising turn of events, the legal team representing Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara withdrew an appeal before the Supreme Court on Monday, a move that has sparked widespread debate and misinterpretation.
Contrary to reports suggesting the Supreme Court dismissed the case on merit, activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju clarified that the withdrawal was a strategic legal decision, not a judicial dismissal.
The appeal revolved around the controversial re-presentation of the 2024 budget before the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly. These legislators are aligned with Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Fubara’s political rival.
In a brief session, the apex court, led by Justice Musa Uwani-Aba-Aji, acknowledged the withdrawal after Fubara’s lead counsel, Yusuf Ali, SAN, informed the court that the matter had been overtaken by political developments. The court proceeded to dismiss the case based on the withdrawal, not on its legal merits, and awarded N4 million in costs against Governor Fubara, payable to the House of Assembly and its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.
Legal experts suggest that the withdrawal may signal a behind-the-scenes political realignment or an attempt to de-escalate tensions between the governor and the pro-Wike faction.
Addressing the confusion, Adeyanju took to X (formerly Twitter) to set the record straight:
> “The Supreme Court did not dismiss Fubara’s Appeal. The appeal was withdrawn by lawyers representing the governor because the subject matter has been overtaken by events. This is the correct representation of what happened in court today.”
This development adds a new layer to the political crisis in Rivers State, where the battle for control between Fubara and his predecessor Wike has led to legislative standoffs and legal battles. Observers are now keenly watching how this legal maneuver will impact the ongoing power tussle within the state’s political landscape.