The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for presenting the 2024 budget to only four out of the 31 members of the state House of Assembly, a move deemed unconstitutional by the opposition party.
Governor Fubara delivered the N800 billion 2024 budget to the four lawmakers, believed to be loyal to him, shortly after the demolition of the House of Assembly Complex on Wednesday.
In response, Mr. Tony Okocha, the state APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, issued a statement in Port Harcourt, denouncing the action as a violation of constitutional provisions.
Okocha highlighted that Section 120(2) of the Constitution explicitly states that no money shall be spent unless appropriated by the state House of Assembly.
He emphasized, “The presentation of a bill to 4 suspended members of the House of Assembly does not fulfill the requirements of the constitution for all the reasons stated.”
Cautiously, Okocha warned that any expenditure made by the state government based on such a presentation would constitute a clear infringement on the constitution and could be grounds for impeachment.
Drawing attention to Section 92(2)C, Okocha noted that the Speaker could be removed by a two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly.
He alleged that there was no evidence to suggest that Mr. Martins Amaewhule, the current Speaker, had been removed from office. Okocha concluded, “Amaewhule remains the Speaker of the House of Assembly; the lawmakers passed a vote of confidence on him.”
The political tension in Port Harcourt continues to escalate as constitutional concerns mount.
Stay tuned for further updates.
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