The legal dispute comes amid heightened tensions between Governor Fubara and an opposition group in the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule and loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Rivers State Government has appealed a recent Federal High Court ruling that stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing federal allocations to the state.
This decision followed political controversies involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and an opposing faction of the state House of Assembly.
Background
The legal dispute comes amid heightened tensions between Governor Fubara and an opposition group in the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule and loyal to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. Governor Fubara recently celebrated the collapse of an attempt by this faction to impeach him.
Court Ruling
The judgment by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja addressed Governor Fubara’s 2024 budget approval by a four-member Rivers House of Assembly faction, calling it a “constitutional aberration.” The judge ordered the Central Bank and other financial bodies to freeze further allocations to Rivers State, citing that the budget’s approval was invalid as it bypassed the “properly constituted” House of Assembly.
Responses
Rivers Government: Commissioner Joseph Johnson confirmed that the state has appealed the ruling, expressing confidence that the Appeal Court will overturn it. He argued that the judgment was flawed and would unfairly impact local government workers and services.
Opposition Faction: Pro-Wike groups and the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly faction celebrated the ruling, calling it a victory for “rule of law.”
Atiku Abubakar: Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the ruling, warning that the judiciary was exacerbating political instability in Rivers and called for prioritizing national interest.
Legal and Civil Society Views
Legal Experts: Senior legal practitioners had mixed reactions. Paul Obi, SAN, argued against halting state allocations, while Sam Erugo, another SAN, warned of the governance impacts.
Civil Society: Debo Adeniran commended the ruling as a check on executive power, while Auwal Musa Rafsanjani cautioned the CBN to avoid political involvement.
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