The political camps of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Barrister Nyesom Wike, will face off on February 10, 2025, at the Supreme Court in five separate cases filed against each other over unresolved disputes concerning Rivers State matters.
The two camps shifted their legal battles to the apex court on Monday, where a five-member panel, led by Justice Uwani Musa Aba-Aji, fixed February 10 for the determination of the cases.
The court granted an adjournment to allow both parties to file and exchange necessary court documents.

For procedural efficiency, the Supreme Court consolidated four of the appeals after a request from Joseph Daudu, SAN, counsel to the Wike camp. The consolidated appeals include:
- SC/CV/1174/2024: Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Rivers State Government and others
- SC/CV/1175/2024: Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Rivers State Governor and others
- SC/CV/1176/2024: Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and others
- SC/CV/1177/2024: Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Accountant General of Rivers State and others
Additionally, the court scheduled hearing for SC/CV/1071A/2024, a cross-appeal filed on November 18, 2024, which was later withdrawn.
Background of the Dispute
The legal tussle stems from a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on January 22, 2024. Justice Omotosho ruled against the presentation of the 2024 budget to four State House of Assembly members loyal to Governor Fubara, directing the governor to re-present the budget to the Martin Amaewhule-led faction loyal to Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Following this judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, also of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered the suspension of federal allocations to Rivers State until the budget was presented to the Amaewhule-led faction.
However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed Justice Omotosho’s ruling while overturning Justice Abdulmalik’s decision, citing grave injustice.
In another case, the appellate court also upturned a judgment by Justice Peter Lifu, which had nullified the October 5, 2024, local government election for non-compliance with Rivers State electoral laws.
Supreme Court Showdown
During Monday’s proceedings, about 50 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) appeared for both camps, supported by a large team of junior lawyers.
Governor Fubara’s camp was led by Chris Uche, SAN, while Wike’s team was represented by Joseph Bodunde Daudu, SAN.
The Supreme Court’s rulings on February 10, 2025, are expected to have significant political and legal implications for Rivers State.
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