In a decisive ruling on Wednesday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt further disbursement of monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government. The judgment comes amid controversy surrounding Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s 2024 budget presentation before a four-member Rivers House of Assembly, which Justice Abdulmalik described as a “blatant affront to constitutional provisions.”
The court highlighted that Governor Fubara’s ongoing receipt and use of monthly federal allocations since January constitute a “constitutional somersault” that undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s legal framework. Justice Abdulmalik characterized these actions as gross violations of the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing that they must be immediately halted to uphold the rule of law.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik instructed the CBN, alongside the Accountant General of the Federation and key financial institutions including Zenith Bank and Access Bank, to prevent Fubara from accessing funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account until further notice.
This court decision amplifies mounting legal and political scrutiny over the Rivers State budgetary process, especially given the constitutional implications of Fubara’s budget activities. Legal analysts have warned of escalating tensions if the Rivers State government does not address these judicial concerns swiftly.
The Rivers State government has yet to respond to the ruling, which raises pivotal questions about financial governance and constitutional adherence in state budgetary processes across Nigeria.
