The Supreme Court of Nigeria has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to immediately cease the release of funds to the Rivers State government until the properly constituted House of Assembly resume duty. The apex court’s decision comes after the court deemed the state government’s actions as “flagrant disobedience” to court orders.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, who led a five-man panel of the court. In a unanimous decision, the court dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appeal, which challenged the validity of the House of Assembly presided over by Martin Amaewhule as the Speaker.
According to the court, Governor Fubara’s actions, including presenting an appropriation bill before a four-man House of Assembly, were in clear violation of a court order. This action denied twenty-eight constituencies of effective representation, which the court deemed an “aberration.”
The Supreme Court also recognized Martins Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, settling a contentious leadership dispute that has plagued the state’s legislative body. In addition, the court ordered Amaewhule, alongside 26 other members of the Assembly, to resume their legislative duties immediately, mandating that all elected members participate in sittings without delay.
The ruling stems from a legal challenge addressing the legitimacy of the state’s legislative operations, which had been disrupted by factional disputes and questions over the authenticity of the Assembly’s leadership. The Supreme Court emphasized that Rivers State must adhere to democratic principles, particularly in the recognition of the House leadership of the Assembly, as a prerequisite for accessing federal allocations.
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Legal analysts view this decision as a significant intervention by the judiciary to curb what they describe as “financial impunity” and political instability in Rivers State. The court’s directive to the CBN effectively ties the state’s financial lifeline to the restoration of a fully operational and constitutionally recognized legislature.
In its judgment, the Supreme Court stressed the importance of an active and legitimate House of Assembly as a cornerstone of governance, stating that no funds should be disbursed to the Rivers State government until the legislative arm is properly reconstituted. The court further clarified that Amaewhule’s leadership, along with the reinstatement of the 26 members, meets the legal threshold for resuming legislative activities.
The decision has sparked varied reactions across the political landscape. Supporters of Amaewhule hailed the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law, arguing that it restores stability to the state’s governance structure. Critics, however, speculate that the judgment could deepen existing tensions between opposing political factions in Rivers State, particularly those aligned with the state’s executive leadership.
Governor Sim Fubara, who has yet to issue an official statement on the ruling, now faces the challenge of navigating this judicial directive amid a politically charged atmosphere. Observers note that the cessation of funds could cripple the state’s ability to meet financial obligations, including salaries and ongoing projects, unless swift action is taken to comply with the court’s orders.
