By Abigail Philip David
The Supreme Court has barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies from disbursing funds to the Rivers State government, citing the state’s failure to comply with court orders.
Delivering a judgment that lasted one hour and thirty-six minutes on Friday, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye announced that the five-member panel of the apex court unanimously dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cross-appeal, which challenged the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
The court directed Amaewhule to reconvene the Assembly immediately with other elected lawmakers. It ruled that Governor Fubara violated a court order by presenting the 2024 appropriation bill to a four-member Assembly, effectively depriving 28 constituencies of representation.
Furthermore, the court condemned Fubara’s actions regarding the alleged defection of 28 Assembly members, labeling it an act of dictatorship aimed at obstructing the House from functioning under Amaewhule’s leadership.
The apex court also criticized the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, describing it as an abuse of executive power intended to hinder the Assembly’s operations.
