The Supreme Court of Nigeria has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to immediately stop releasing financial allocations to the Rivers State Government. This order will remain in effect until Governor Siminalayi Fubara ceases all illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional activities.
The Court emphasized that no funds should be released to the state government until a legitimate Appropriation Law is enacted under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule. Additionally, the Court ordered the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume their duties immediately. The Supreme Court’s decision follows Governor Fubara’s unlawful actions, including demolishing the House of Assembly building to prevent legislators from carrying out their duties. The Court also criticized Fubara’s decision to operate with only four out of 32 House of Assembly members, citing unfounded fears of impeachment.
Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim delivered the unanimous judgment, which was supported by a five-member panel of Justices led by Justice Musa Uwani Aba-Aji. The Court dismantled all actions carried out by Governor Fubara, labeling them as unlawful. The Court’s ruling also addressed the unlawful redeployment of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the House of Assembly. Justice Agim ordered that they must be allowed to resume work alongside the House of Assembly workers.Furthermore, the Court emphasized that Governor Fubara’s actions were an affront to the rule of law and the principles of democracy. The Court’s decision aims to restore order and legitimacy to the governance of Rivers State.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has significant implications for the governance of Rivers State and sets a precedent for the rule of law in Nigeria. The Court’s decision is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the state’s administration and the country’s democratic institutions.
The Supreme Court has affirmed the judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, declaring Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions against the 27 Rivers State House of Assembly members as unlawful and illegal. Fubara’s actions, including collapsing the House of Assembly and using his immunity to carry out acts against the rule of law, have been widely condemned.
The Court imposed a N10 million fine on Fubara, which must be paid to the House of Assembly and the 27 members who instituted the suit against him. This decision follows the Federal High Court’s judgment that Fubara’s receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January last year was a constitutional aberration.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who delivered the Federal High Court judgment, had previously issued an order stating that Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before a four-member Rivers House of Assembly was an affront to constitutional provisions. The Judge emphasized that Fubara’s actions smacked of gross violations of the 1999 Constitution.
The Federal High Court had also restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank from allowing Fubara to access funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account. This decision was made due to Fubara’s unlawful implementation of the budget. The Supreme Court’s decision has significant implications for Fubara’s administration and the governance of Rivers State. The Court’s ruling sends a strong message that unlawful actions will not be tolerated and that those in power must adhere to the rule of law.
The outcome of this case is a testament to the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring that those in power are held accountable for their actions. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the governance of Rivers State and the country at large.
