Court Halts Monthly Allocations to Rivers State Government, Citing Constitutional Violations

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing further monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government. This ruling came on Wednesday, following a legal challenge to the legitimacy of the 2024 budget presentation by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The court found that Governor Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before a four-member Rivers State House of Assembly violated constitutional provisions. Justice Abdulmalik described this budgetary process as “a constitutional somersault and aberration” that contravenes the 1999 Constitution, asserting that such an irregularity cannot be permitted to continue.

Since January, Governor Fubara’s administration has been receiving and disbursing monthly allocations, which Justice Abdulmalik deemed unlawful under the current circumstances. She highlighted the Governor’s responsibility to uphold the Constitution, suggesting that his actions in implementing an “unlawful budget” represent significant violations of his oath of office.

The court’s ruling further restrains the CBN, Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank from allowing the Rivers State Government access to funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account until the matter is resolved.