The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara's 2024 budget presentation to only four out of the 31 members of the state House of Assembly. Fubara reportedly presented the N800 billion 2024 budget to the four lawmakers, believed to be loyal to him, at the Government House in Port Harcourt shortly after the demolition of the House of Assembly Complex.

In response to this, the Rivers State APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr. Tony Okocha, issued a statement in Port Harcourt, asserting that the action was unconstitutional. He cited Section 120(2) of the Constitution, which stipulates that no money shall be spent unless it is appropriated by the state House of Assembly. Okocha emphasized that presenting a bill to only four suspended members did not meet the constitutional requirements.

Furthermore, Okocha cautioned that any expenditure made by the state government based on this presentation would constitute an infringement on the constitution, providing sufficient grounds for impeachment. He also highlighted Section 92(2)C, which outlines the conditions for the removal of a speaker by a two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly, alleging that there was no evidence to show that the Speaker, Mr. Martins Amaewhule, had been removed from office.

Okocha pointed out that Amaewhule remained the speaker as the lawmakers had passed a vote of confidence in him. He also referenced Section 96(1) of the constitution, which specifies that the quorum of the House of Assembly shall be one-third of all members, and emphasized that four members could never form a quorum, especially considering the deceased member.

Additionally, Okocha cited various sections of the constitution, including Section 99, 101, and 105(3), to support his argument that the governor's actions were not in line with the constitutional provisions. He stressed that the governor's role in issuing a proclamation for the first session of the Assembly had been fulfilled, and it was now the Assembly's responsibility to regulate its procedures, including summoning and recess.

Naijamatta is a social networking site,

download Naijamatta from Google play store or visit www.naijamatta.com to register. You can post, comment, do voice and video call, join and open group, go live etc. Join Naijamatta family, the Green app.