The Supreme Court, on Friday, ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation must withhold financial allocations to Rivers State until the State House of Assembly is properly constituted. This decision has been met with approval from Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike, speaking on the ruling, described it as a victory for the rule of law and an end to what he referred to as “impunity” in the state.
“It is happiness for Rivers people. It is happiness for Nigerians that, yes, this impunity must stop. Enough is enough. We can’t continue with this,” Wike said.
The Supreme Court’s decision follows a series of legal battles surrounding the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly. A five-member panel, led by Justice Emmanuel Agim, ruled in favor of the Martins Amaewhule-led assembly, affirming it as the legitimate legislature for the state. This judgment overturned an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal, which had nullified a previous Federal High Court decision on the matter.
The case began when Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on October 24, 2024, ordered the suspension of financial disbursements to the Rivers State Government. The judge also directed major banks, including Zenith Bank and Access Bank, to halt transactions involving the state’s accounts. The ruling stemmed from allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara violated constitutional procedures by presenting the 2024 budget before only four members of the 31-member House of Assembly.
The Supreme Court reaffirmed this position, declaring the act unconstitutional and void.
“The Rivers State allocation fund is to be withheld until the unconstitutional actions are rectified,” the court ruled.
Justice Agim also criticized Governor Fubara’s decision to demolish the State Assembly complex, stating that the act was an attempt to prevent the 27 defected lawmakers from holding legislative sessions. The justice likened Fubara’s actions to “bigamy” and condemned his handling of the political crisis in the state.
In reaction to the judgment, Wike insisted that Rivers State must uphold constitutional governance and ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions.
“We are not prisoners of war. We are not conquered people. We must challenge anything we know that is illegal, and we will not allow it,” Wike stated.
He further accused Fubara of disregarding court rulings and violating constitutional provisions.
“You took an oath to abide by the Constitution, but you came out to say the court’s judgment is corrupt. Thank God, today, the Supreme Court has said it all—go back and follow the law,” he said.
The Supreme Court justices warned that undermining the legislature poses a serious threat to democracy.
“Government cannot function without one of its three arms. The governor’s illegal actions cannot be justified,” Justice Agim ruled.
Additionally, the court ordered the reinstatement of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the Rivers Assembly, along with other legislative staff who had been unlawfully removed. The Supreme Court also imposed a ₦5 million fine against Governor Fubara and reaffirmed the legitimacy of the 27 lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Wike, while commending the judiciary, praised his legal team for their efforts in securing the ruling.
“We must commend the judiciary for being bold and firm in saying no to impunity,” he added.
