In a groundbreaking ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stop releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State government. This decision, delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, is a response to the Rivers State government’s alleged unconstitutional actions.
Unconstitutional Budget Presentation
At the center of the controversy is Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to a 4-member Rivers House of Assembly, which the court deemed an affront to the Constitutional provision. Justice Abdulmalik described the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January 2024 by Governor Fubara as a “constitutional somersault and aberration that must not be allowed to continue.”
Implications of the Ruling
The court’s ruling has significant implications for the Rivers State government, as it:
- Restrains the CBN, Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank from allowing Governor Fubara to access money from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.
- Raises questions about the legitimacy of the state’s budget implementation.
Reactions and Next Steps
As the situation unfolds, many will be watching to see how the Rivers State government responds to the court’s ruling. The opposition is likely to seize on this development as a victory for accountability and constitutional adherence.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.