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Rivers 2024 Budget: 12 Parties Threaten Legal Action Over High Court Ruling
Twelve political parties are poised to challenge Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara in court if he complies with a controversial Federal High Court ruling that halts funding for the state’s 2024 budget. The court directed Governor Fubara to resubmit the budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly, despite its previous members having been dissolved.
Dan Nwanyanwu, the national chairman of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), has criticized the ruling, describing it as unconstitutional and impractical.
In an interview with Symfoni TV, Nwanyanwu accused the court of overstepping its authority by mandating the budget’s resubmission to an Assembly that no longer exists.
“With the greatest respect, what the court is asking Governor Fubara to do is present the 2024 budget to former members of the State House of Assembly who are no longer in office. That will never happen,” Nwanyanwu said.
He argued that complying with the ruling would violate Section 109 of the Nigerian Constitution, which governs the dissolution of legislative bodies.
The controversy began when only four of the 31 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly received the 2024 budget, leading the court to declare the process unconstitutional. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court emphasized the importance of legislative oversight in budget approval, citing Sections 120(2)–(4) of the Constitution.
She expressed concerns that the state’s financial activities lacked proper supervision due to an incomplete Assembly.
Nwanyanwu, however, dismissed the ruling as flawed, asserting that the judiciary’s involvement in the budget process should not undermine constitutional provisions. “Not less than twelve political parties are ready to take Governor Fubara to court if he complies. These former members are no longer part of the Assembly. Is the court unaware of Section 109?” he questioned.
The situation has sparked a constitutional debate over the judiciary’s role in state budget processes, underscoring the tension between Rivers State’s executive and legislative branches.
The outcome could set a precedent for how budget approvals are handled in states with dissolved legislative bodies.
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Farotimi: Obidient Movement fears Peter Obi may be next over threats
Following the recent arrest of Barrister Dele Farotimi, the Obidient Movement, led by its National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has raised concerns over alleged threats against Peter Gregory Obi, former presidential candidate and leader of the movement.
During a press conference on Wednesday, the group condemned what it described as a systematic crackdown on dissent, exemplified by the recent arrest of prominent human rights lawyer Barr. Dele Farotimi.
Dr. Tanko warned that the threats against Peter Obi were part of a broader campaign to silence voices critical of the government.
He stated, “We are aware of the one-by-one targeting of key figures in our movement, and we will not stand idly by while tyranny takes hold. Any attempt to arrest or intimidate Mr. Peter Obi will be met with nationwide resistance.”
The group accused the government of using state institutions to suppress opposition, pointing to the arrest of Farotimi as evidence of a growing pattern of repression. They also highlighted the deteriorating economic conditions, including soaring fuel prices, currency devaluation, and rising interest rates, as the backdrop against which these threats are occurring.
Calling for the immediate release of Dele Farotimi, the Obidient Movement vowed to mobilize peaceful protests if the government continued its crackdown.
They also appealed to the international community to monitor the situation closely, urging global solidarity in defense of human rights and democracy in Nigeria.
Dr. Tanko concluded with a warning: “Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we will resist any attempt to undermine our democracy. The protection of Peter Obi is non-negotiable, and we stand united in defense of justice and freedom.”
The movement’s statement has sparked widespread reactions, with many calling on the government to ensure the safety of opposition leaders and to uphold the principles of democracy and free speech
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Peter Obi Slams Arrest of Dele Farotimi, Demands his Immediate Release
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi has condemned the arrest of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi over defamation allegations, describing it as a blatant abuse of police powers and an affront on democracy and justice.
Obi expressed outrage at the misuse of law enforcement to suppress dissent, emphasizing that defamation is a civil matter to be resolved in court.
“The Nigeria Police Force exists to protect citizens’ rights, not to stifle them,” he said, adding that such actions threaten freedom of speech and accountability.
Drawing from personal experience, Obi noted, “I have been defamed countless times, yet I have never used the police to silence critics. Those aggrieved should follow legal channels, not weaponize state power.”
He criticized the arrest as an abuse of authority, warning that it undermines the professionalism of the police. Obi demanded Farotimi’s immediate and unconditional release, reminding the police of their duty to uphold the Constitution and serve the people, not political interests.
Whike reaffirming his commitment to democratic values and justice he concluded saying,
“A new Nigeria that will be just, fair, and free is possible,” Obi declared,
News
Senator Natasha Urges Collective Action After Kogi Boat Tragedy Devastates Local Traders
The senator representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called for urgent support following the tragic boat mishap in Kogi State that claimed the lives of several women, petty traders, and artisans.
The accident occurred along the Dambo-Ebuchi section of the River Niger, as the victims traveled to the Katcha weekly market in Niger State.
Expressing deep sorrow, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the victims as the backbone of the local economy.
“Their untimely deaths leave a profound void in their families and the wider society,” she said.
Chief Press Secretary to the senator, Arogbonlo Israel in a statement on Monday, quoted her to have emphasized the need for government intervention, private sector involvement, and philanthropic support to assist grieving families.
“These hardworking individuals played a vital role in sustaining our communities. I urge the government and all concerned Nigerians to come together to provide the necessary assistance,” she added.
The Senator’s plea highlighted the importance of unity and collective action in the face of tragedy, as the region mourns the loss of those whose dedication fueled local commerce.
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