The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday issued an order restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing more monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State government.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the decision also extends to the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), as well as Zenith Bank and Access Bank, where the state has accounts.

In her judgment, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s receipt and use of monthly allowances since January 2024 constitutes a violation of the constitution that cannot continue.

The judge described Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member Rivers assembly as a direct affront to constitutional requirements.

She further said the governor’s implementation of the budget reflects a blatant violation of the 1999 Constitution, which he is required to uphold.

Justice Abdulmalik therefore ordered the CBN, AGF, Zenith Bank and Access Bank to block further access by Fubara to funds in the Treasury and Federation Account.

Rivers State political crisis

The dispute over the finances of the Rivers State government stems from a political crisis that erupted earlier in 2024, following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s fallout with members of the state legislative assembly.

Tensions came to a head when most of the Rivers Assembly members were reportedly impeached or suspended, leaving only four loyalists in the Assembly.

Despite this impropriety, Governor Fubara pressed on, presenting and approving the 2024 state budget with a significantly reduced assembly, a move widely criticized as unconstitutional.

• In January, the Federal High Court in Abuja set aside the N800 billion budget approved by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Edison Ehie and signed into law by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

• The court also ruled in favor of a suit filed by the Assembly and its Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, who sought an injunction to restrain Governor Fubara from obstructing the functions of the Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership, among other measures.

• Presiding Judge James Omotosho said all actions taken by the four Fubara-aligned lawmakers were illegal and ineffective.

• Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal in Abuja dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appeal challenging the Federal High Court’s ruling that set aside the N800 billion budget passed by the Edison Ehie-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly and signed into law by the Governor.
• The three-member appeals panel issued its decision on Thursday, October 10, 2024, upholding the lower court’s judgment.

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