The Supreme Court has issued an order barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until a properly constituted House of Assembly is in place. The decision comes in response to what the court described as the state government’s flagrant disobedience to court orders.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the five-man panel of the court unanimously dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the validity of the Rivers State House of Assembly presided over by Martin Amaewhule as Speaker.
The court ordered Martin Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. It held that it was an aberration for Governor Fubara to have presented an appropriation bill before a four-member House of Assembly, thereby denying 28 constituencies effective representation. This action was in violation of a court order mandating the governor to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill before a validly constituted Assembly led by Amaewhule.
The apex court further described Governor Fubara’s actions regarding the alleged defection of 28 members of the Rivers Assembly as an act of “brigandage and dictatorship,” aimed at preventing the House from performing its legitimate functions under Amaewhule’s leadership.
The ruling underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional processes and court orders in governance. It also highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring accountability and the rule of law.
