Federal High Court Halts Financial Allocations to Rivers State Government.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has made a significant ruling, barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from issuing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State government. This decision, delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, characterizes the actions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a breach of constitutional protocol.

The court’s judgement highlights that the receipt and disbursement of these allocations since January 2023 constitute a constitutional somersault, an aberration that cannot be permitted to persist. Justice Abdulmalik particularly criticized Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before a four-member Rivers House of Assembly as contrary to constitutional provisions.

In her ruling, the judge condemned Fubara’s implementation of what she deemed an unlawful budget, asserting that it represents a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution, which he pledged to uphold. Consequently, the court has issued a restraining order against the CBN, the Accountant General of the Federation, and commercial banks Zenith Bank and Access Bank to prevent Fubara from accessing funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.

Further details on this ruling and its implications are expected to emerge in the coming days.