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In a strategic legal step, the Rivers State Government on Wednesday, October 30, submitted an appeal against the recent Federal High Court ruling that restricts the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from providing federal allocations to the state.
The government’s appeal underscores concerns about the economic implications of withheld funds, which officials argue are essential for ongoing projects.
According to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik’s ruling, Governor Siminalayi Fubara will remain barred from accessing federal funds for the state until the 2024 budget is formally laid out before a legitimate Rivers House of Assembly. This order signals the court’s commitment to enforcing structured financial accountability in the state.
Justice Abdulmalik’s decision deemed Governor Fubara’s past budget proposals unconstitutional, citing their bypass of the Rivers House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, an ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Formerly aligned with Wike, Fubara is accused of approving expenditures without the Assembly’s formal consent, which may deepen political and legal tensions within the state.
In addition, the judgment places a hold on the CBN, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the state’s banking partners, prohibiting them from granting access to the state’s funds until there is clear adherence to constitutional protocols. This step underscores the court’s commitment to uphold the rule of law in financial governance.
Rivers State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, expressed confidence that the Appeal Court would overturn the ruling. He highlighted issues within the High Court’s procedures, including the judge’s refusal to allow certain council chairmen to join the case as defendants.
Johnson emphasized the government’s position that the judgment, if upheld, could affect local government workers and essential services across the state.
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Following the judgment, prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party, expressed concern over the judiciary’s increasing involvement in political disputes. Atiku condemned what he described as politically influenced rulings, cautioning that the judiciary’s reputation was at risk.
Pro-Wike factions and supporters of the Amaewhule-led Assembly celebrated the decision as a reinforcement of the rule of law. Meanwhile, civil society organizations also weighed in, with the Centre for Accountability and Open Leadership arguing that Fubara’s unilateral budget actions undermined democratic principles.
As Rivers State moves to appeal the decision, the judiciary’s role in political crises continues to stir debate nationwide. Both sides await the Appeal Court’s response, which is expected to clarify the balance of power between state governments and the federal judiciary.