Fubara Appeals Court Ruling Halting Rivers Government Allocations

The Rivers State Government officially filed an appeal on Wednesday, October 30, against a recent Federal High Court ruling that restricted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing federal allocations to the state.

The judgment, issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, prevents Governor Siminalayi Fubara from accessing allocations until the state’s 2024 budget is presented before a legitimate Rivers House of Assembly.

Justice Abdulmalik’s ruling declared that Fubara’s previous budget presentations were unconstitutional, as they circumvented the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers House of Assembly, aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Fubara, a former political ally of Wike, is accused of authorizing disbursements without proper legislative approval. The ruling also restrains the CBN, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the state’s banking partners from granting access to the state’s funds until constitutional compliance is ensured.

Rivers State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, expressed confidence that the Appeal Court would overturn the ruling, pointing out procedural issues within the High Court, including the judge’s refusal to allow certain council chairmen to join the case as defendants.

Johnson emphasized that upholding the judgment could negatively impact local government workers and essential services across the state.

In the wake of the judgment, prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party, voiced concerns about the judiciary’s growing involvement in political disputes.

Atiku condemned what he called politically influenced rulings, warning that the judiciary’s reputation was at stake.

Supporters of Wike and the Amaewhule-led Assembly celebrated the decision as a reinforcement of the rule of law. Meanwhile, civil society organizations, such as the Centre for Accountability and Open Leadership, argued that Fubara’s unilateral budget actions undermined democratic principles.

As Rivers State prepares to appeal the decision, the judiciary’s role in political crises continues to spark debate nationwide. Both sides await the Appeal Court’s response, which is expected to clarify the balance of power between state governments and the federal judiciary.