The Supreme Court has ordered a suspension of fund releases to the Rivers State Government, citing its disregard for court orders.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, restrains the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other financial agencies from disbursing funds to the state until compliance is ensured.
The court also dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appeal challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule. In a unanimous decision, the five-member panel ruled that the governor acted unlawfully by presenting the 2024 appropriation bill before a four-member House, excluding 28 other lawmakers. The justices described Fubara’s actions as unconstitutional, accusing him of attempting to suppress the Assembly’s legislative functions.
Additionally, the court condemned the demolition of the Rivers State Assembly complex, labeling it an abuse of executive power aimed at undermining the legislature. It directed Amaewhule and his colleagues to resume legislative duties immediately.
In a separate ruling, Justice Jamilu Tukur nullified the local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission on October 5, 2024. The court ruled that the elections violated the Electoral Act, citing improper voter registration processes and failure to adhere to legal guidelines.
With these verdicts, the Rivers State political crisis deepens as the judiciary asserts its authority over governance and electoral integrity.
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