Legal practitioner and rights activist Deji Adeyanju has refuted claims that the Supreme Court dismissed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appeal.
According to him, the governor’s legal team voluntarily withdrew the case, leading to its striking out by the court.
Adeyanju made this clarification following widespread reports alleging that the apex court had ruled against Fubara in the 2024 budget dispute involving the Rivers State House of Assembly.
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Fubara’s Appeal Was Voluntarily Withdrawn
Fubara’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Yusuf Ali, had initially filed an appeal challenging the re-presentation of the 2024 budget before the 27 lawmakers loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
However, during Monday’s Supreme Court hearing, the governor’s lawyers requested to withdraw the suit, citing irrelevance due to recent developments in the state.
Following this request, the Supreme Court presided over by Justice Musa Uwani-Aba-Aji, granted the withdrawal application and struck out the appeal.
Supreme Court Awards ₦4 Million Against Fubara
While neither the Rivers State House of Assembly nor its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, opposed the withdrawal request, the court awarded ₦4 million in costs against Governor Fubara, ordering that the amount be paid to the State House of Assembly and its Speaker.
The Assembly and Amaewhule were represented in court by the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Wole Olanipekun.
Deji Adeyanju Condemns Misrepresentation of Court Proceedings
Following the ruling, Deji Adeyanju criticised reports suggesting that the Supreme Court dismissed the case outright. He clarified on X (formerly Twitter):
“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 The appeal was withdrawn by lawyers representing the governor because the subject matter has been overtaken by events.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.”
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Adeyanju’s statement aims to correct misinformation regarding the case, emphasising that the Supreme Court did not rule against Governor Siminalayi Fubara but merely approved his legal team’s request for withdrawal.
This development marks a significant turn in the ongoing political and legal battle within Rivers State, especially concerning the rift between Governor Fubara and supporters of former governor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.