The Rivers State High Court has ruled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara can legally work with the three lawmakers who have not vacated their seats in the state assembly.

This judgment was delivered on December 20 by Justice Sika Aprioku, who dismissed a case filed against the governor and the state government.

The suit, filed by the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, sought to compel the governor to present the 2024 budget to the assembly members led by Martin Amaewhule.

These 27 lawmakers had lost their seats after defecting to other political parties.

Justice Aprioku ruled that Governor Fubara is within his rights to transact business with the remaining lawmakers, including presenting the budget and making key state appointments.

The judge referenced similar instances in the past when governance continued with fewer assembly members.

The court also clarified that the vacated seats could only be addressed if the lawmakers challenged their status in court or if elections were held to fill those positions.

The court declared the group’s request invalid and dismissed the suit. Additionally, a fine of N500,000 was imposed on the claimant in favor of the defendants.

“Therefore, the same way His Excellency Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, presented Budgets and financial Bills with only six members when the numbers were less than two third 2/3 of the 32 Members, so shall His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State be constitutionally guided to interface, and approach the properly constituted House of Assembly led by Oko-Jumbo, to carry on the business of the state and until the 27 lawmakers who defected and lost their seats, approaches the court, for a redemption or INEC conducts another election to the seats vacated by the 27 lawmakers upon their defection.

“In sum, until the Supreme Court gives its verdict on the issue of jurisdiction which affects the status of the 27 lawmakers, it is only those who did not vacate their seats, the Governor can constitutionally approach to the present budget, appoint chief judges and president, customary court; also screen commissioners, including the attorney general and make board appointments.

“That the claimant’s claim seeking declaratory and injunctive reliefs for the Representation of the 2024 Budget to the former 27 lawmakers, who defected and automatically vacated their seats, lacks merit and is accordingly dismissed.

“That this suit be and is hereby dismissed, with cost in the sum of N500,000.00, awarded in favour of the defendants and against the claimant.”

TUKO.co.ke journalist Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, and climate reporting, which offers deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends.

Kenyans have expressed different views after the government announced closure of companies in 2025.

Investment PS Abubakar Hassan and Trade CS Salim Mvurya speaking at a past event. Photo: Salim Mvurya. Source: Twitter

President William Ruto’s administration dissolved the 202 companies in a gazette notice number 95, dated December 11, 2024.

Why Ruto’s govt dissolve companies

Registrar of Companies Joyce Koech, the Business Registration Service, listed the companies that have been shut down, issuing a three-month notice for 115 companies to be dissolved.

Koech urged the company owners to act swiftly and show cause why their firms should not be dissolved in the three months.

However, the state corporation did not explain the reason behind the dissolution of these companies, causing a debate among Kenyans.

What Kenyans said about govt closure of companies

Some criticised the government for advocating foreign jobs instead of safeguarding local jobs through a sustainable business environment.

@Banks_Banksg said:

“MBELE IKO SAWA !! has become the anthem of Ruto’s regime, the Labour Ministry, now rebranded into a premier job brokerage agency.”

@C_Roiginson argued:

“Effects of haphazard finance policies under KK catalyzed by IMF Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs).”

@HseTonny asked:

“When the environment is not conducive for doing business what do you expect? “

@kamau_waRally claimed:

“These are mainly dormant companies that have not filed their returns, and the registrar is striking them off the register – note the 90-day notice of intended striking off.”

@djdougze noted:

“Yet the executive arm of the government claims the economy is doing well and has stabilised.”

@elmarcadoazul said:

“Eeeiy, Sad situation man! Comrades let’s keep learning skills like Programming, Data Analysis, Digital marketing, Web Development, Copywriting, and Graphic Design.”

@SilkRoadKenya wondered:

“I am not shocked. Where the political class wants to do business themselves instead of creating good policies for everyone.”

@alinory_KWENA alleged:

“It’s instructive to note that some of these companies were forced to shut because of their serious involvement in businesses arguably considered to either be illegal, or threats to national security and or economy! Some companies just rebranded and “rebirthed” accordingly.”

@HseTonny said:

“KPIs are indicating that the economy is not doing well, but we are told otherwise. Given the example of the price of Unga, which has been factored by the good rains we have experienced, if we continue with this trajectory, our country will fall into economic recession.”

@githiori argued:

“The little disposal income companies had is being drained to KRA, and employers are suffering increased remittances ( SHA & housing levy). Sad that all this is sponsor swanky lifestyles for the political elites.”

Muhammad Diggol, the Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, has resigned after being moved to the Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Dockaysworld reports.

Engr. Muhammad Diggol was initially appointed as Commissioner for Transportation at the inception of Governor Yusuf’s administration in 2023.

He was later reassigned to the Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation, where he served until his resignation on Sunday.

Although he did not give any official reason for leaving, close sources claim the decision was linked to politics.

Diggol, who was part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s cabinet since 2023, reportedly felt sidelined after being reassigned from the Transportation Ministry, which is seen as more important.

Some insiders believe he left to avoid further conflicts and protect his reputation, as there were signs he might have been removed from office.

A source said:

“I can also confirm to you that another major reason he left is to allow peace reign; and also protect his integrity and dignity as chances were ripe that he could have been sacked.”

Governor Yusuf has accepted his resignation and praised Diggol for his contributions and hard work during his time in the government.