The Supreme Court has upheld the legitimacy of the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, dismissing the appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
At the hearing on Monday, February 10, 2025, the apex court accepted the notice of withdrawal submitted by Governor Fubara’s legal team and ruled in favour of the respondents.
Court Proceedings
Senior lawyer Yusuf Ali announced the notice of withdrawal, stating that Governor Fubara had officially withdrawn his case against the 27 lawmakers. The notice had been filed on 6 February.
Representing the 1st and 2nd respondents, Wole Olanipekun stressed that the matter had reached a point of no return and urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the appeal. He also requested that the court award a cost of ₦2 million.
J.D. Dauda, counsel for the 3rd to 12th respondents, did not oppose the withdrawal, confirming that the dispute had become irreversible. Similarly, Mimi Ayua, representing the 17th respondent, raised no objections.
Final Judgment
The Supreme Court accepted the notice of withdrawal and formally dismissed the appeal. It also awarded a cost of ₦2 million in favour of the 1st to 12th respondents, marking the conclusion of the case.
This ruling solidifies the authority of the Amaewhule-led Assembly amid the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.
