The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stop disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government. This order, issued on Wednesday by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, puts a temporary halt on funds distribution to the state over alleged constitutional violations.
The dispute arose after Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State presented the 2024 state budget before only four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Justice Abdulmalik deemed this act a direct violation of the Nigerian Constitution, which requires full participation of the legislature in approving the state budget. She expressed concern over the Governor’s approach, calling it “an affront to the constitutional provision.”
Justice Abdulmalik stated that the acceptance and use of monthly allocations by Governor Fubara since January 2024 represented a “constitutional somersault and aberration.” She emphasized that such actions by the governor undermine the legal framework designed to ensure transparency and accountability in state financial management.
The judge noted that this step was essential to prevent further misuse or mismanagement of state funds, declaring that Fubara’s actions in approving and implementing a budget under these conditions amounted to “gross violations of the 1999 Constitution he swore to protect.”
The court’s ruling also impacts financial institutions involved in the disbursement and management of state funds. Alongside the CBN, Justice Abdulmalik extended the restriction to the Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank, preventing these entities from granting Governor Fubara access to funds from both the Consolidated Revenue Fund and the Federation Account.
