The Supreme Court has prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with previous court orders.
Delivering a one-hour, thirty-six-minute judgment, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, leading a five-member panel, dismissed a cross-appeal by Governor Siminalayi Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the speakership of Martin Amaewhule.
The court ordered Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with all elected members of the House, ruling that Governor Fubara acted unlawfully by presenting an appropriation bill before a four-member Assembly, thereby excluding 28 constituencies. It described this action as a violation of a court directive requiring him to present the 2024 budget to a duly constituted Assembly led by Amaewhule.
Additionally, the court condemned the governor’s handling of the alleged defection of 28 lawmakers, labeling it an act of “brigandage and dictatorship” aimed at preventing the House from carrying out its legislative duties.
The Supreme Court further criticized the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, describing it as an abuse of executive power intended to obstruct the legislative process.
