The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from further releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the order also affected the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Zenith Bank and Access Bank where the state government also banks.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a judgment, held that the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January 2024 by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers is a constitutional somersault and aberration that must not be allowed to continue.
Justice Abdulmalik held that the presentation of the 2024 Budget by Fubara before a 4-member Rivers House of Assembly was an affront to the constitutional provision. The judge said that Fubara’s action in implementing an unlawful budget had smacked gross violations of the 1999 Constitution he swore to protect.
She, consequently, ordered the CBN, AGF, Zenith Bank and Access Bank to further allow Fubara to access money from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.
PDP youth wing lauds court ruling
Meanwhile, the court’s decision was lauded by the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Frontiers, which praised the judiciary for upholding democracy.
They expressed satisfaction, stating the ruling restores hope in judicial oversight.
Comr. Henry Owolabi, the group’s National Coordinator, called for the reversal of all decisions made by the “illegitimate” assembly and a refund of misallocated funds.
“Governor Fubara should take this opportunity to respect the party platform that granted him office,” Owolabi stated.
He urged the PDP to guide the Rivers Assembly in approving a legitimate budget to avert a crisis.
The group warned that further constitutional violations might compel them to take legal action, emphasising the importance of upholding constitutional integrity for the well-being of Rivers’ citizens.