The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized the presentation and passage of Rivers State's 2024 budget, labeling it unconstitutional and a threat to Nigeria's democratic principles. In a recent video shared by TVC, Wike addressed the ongoing controversy, which has also been the subject of legal disputes.
Wike disclosed that the Federal High Court ruled against Governor Siminalayi Fubara's decision to present the budget to a faction of just four lawmakers from the 32-member Rivers State House of Assembly. The court declared the process unconstitutional, warning that such actions undermine the core tenets of democracy.
"The court said we are in a constitutional democracy," Wike remarked. "You want us to sit and watch you use three or four people to pass a budget in an assembly of 32 seats? Even when this matter was before the court, we said, 'Don't do this,' but you went ahead with four people. Now it's reduced to three. Tomorrow, it could be two, and the next day, one. The court said no, you don't do that."
The Court of Appeal upheld the Federal High Court's judgment, affirming that a minority of lawmakers cannot pass a state budget. Wike noted that the Appeal Court described the situation as "a joke taken too far," warning that allowing such practices would set a dangerous precedent and erode Nigeria's democratic framework.
"This isn't just about Rivers State," Wike emphasized. "It's about preserving democracy in Nigeria. If we allow this to stand, it will weaken our system and undermine the rule of law."
The controversy underscores the escalating tensions within Rivers State's political arena, particularly between Wike and Governor Fubara. As public attention grows, many are closely monitoring how the state government will address the court rulings and whether the 2024 budget will be subjected to a more transparent and lawful legislative process.
You can watch the video from 1:39:18
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