The Rivers State Government on Wednesday, October 30, officially filed an appeal against the recent Federal High Court ruling that restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing federal allocations to the state.
The judgment, issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, restricts 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 bypassed the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers House of Assembly, which is aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Fubara, a former political ally of Wike, is alleged to have authorized disbursements without proper legislative approval.
The ruling also restrains the CBN, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the state’s bank partners from enabling access to the state’s funds until compliance with constitutional guidelines is established.
Rivers State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, expressed confidence that the Appeal Court would overturn the ruling.
He highlighted issues within the High Court’s procedures, including the judge’s refusal to allow certain council chairmen to join the case as defendants. Johnson emphasized the government’s position that the judgment, if upheld, could affect local government workers and essential services across the state.
Following the judgment, prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and representatives from the Peoples Democratic Party, expressed concern over the judiciary’s increasing involvement in political disputes.
Atiku condemned what he described as politically influenced rulings, cautioning that the judiciary’s reputation was at risk.
Pro-Wike factions and supporters of the Amaewhule-led Assembly celebrated the decision as a reinforcement of the rule of law. Meanwhile, civil society organizations also weighed in, with the Centre for Accountability and Open Leadership arguing that Fubara’s unilateral budget actions undermined democratic principles.
As Rivers State moves to appeal the decision, the judiciary’s role in political crises continues to stir 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.
