The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark judgment, barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State government. This decision comes on the heels of the court’s unanimous dismissal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appeal challenging the validity of the House of Assembly presided over by Martin Amaewhule as the Speaker.
In a sweeping judgment, the five-man panel of the court, led by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, ordered Martin Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court held that Governor Fubara’s actions, including presenting an appropriation bill before a four-man House of Assembly, constituted an “aberration” and a “flagrant disobedience” to court orders.
Furthermore, the court declared the local government election conducted on October 5, 2024, by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission invalid, citing gross violations of the Electoral Act.
The crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly began with a fallout between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his predecessor, Governor Fubara. The feud led to parallel sittings, an impeachment plot, and the demolition of the Assembly complex.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja had previously affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court, setting aside the N800 billion budget passed by five members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The appellate court dismissed Governor Fubara’s appeal, stating that he withdrew his counter-affidavit at the lower court and therefore could not commence an appeal.
