Court Asks CBN To Stop Paying Rivers Govt Monthly Allocations

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an injunction preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing further monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government.

The decision comes after the court found that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s receipt and disbursement of state funds since January constituted a constitutional breach.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled that Fubara’s actions, including presenting the 2024 budget before a reduced four-member Rivers State House of Assembly, were a “gross violation” of the 1999 Constitution.

The court’s order restrains the CBN, the Accountant General of the Federation, and commercial banks, including Zenith Bank and Access Bank, from allowing Fubara access to the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.

In January 2024, Justice James Omotosho of the same court nullified the N800 billion 2024 Rivers State budget on January 22, declaring it invalid due to improper presentation to the Rivers House of Assembly.

Justice Omotosho further upheld Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers Assembly, accusing Fubara of unconstitutional interference by attempting to replace the Assembly’s Clerk and Deputy Clerk.

The new ruling further adds to the intense political rift in Rivers State, where opposing factions are aligned with either Governor Fubara or his predecessor, current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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