Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing further financial allocations to the Rivers State Government until a lawful appropriation act is enacted by a properly constituted House of Assembly. The ruling was delivered on Wednesday, October 30, as part of a judgment in a suit brought by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik emphasized that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to present the Rivers State’s 2024 Appropriation Bill to a four-member Assembly, which lacks proper constitutionality, should not be upheld. She stated, “The decision to proceed without a validly constituted House of Assembly is a violation of the law and cannot be allowed to stand.”
The political landscape in Rivers State has been tumultuous, marked by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. This ruling adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing crisis, highlighting the legal and political challenges facing the state’s governance. The court’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional protocols in the legislative process.
As the situation develops, the implications for the state’s financial management and governance remain to be seen.