Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday expressed a mix of disappointment and resilience in response to a recent Federal High Court decision that ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State government.
Governor Fubara stated that while he had hoped for peaceful resolution, his decision to seek intervention from President Bola Tinubu may have ultimately empowered his political opponents.
The Federal High Court ruling, delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in Abuja, cited constitutional concerns as the reason for the suspension of Rivers State’s financial allocations. Specifically, the court order pointed to issues surrounding the presentation of the 2024 budget before a four-member Rivers State House of Assembly.
Justice Abdulmalik highlighted that Fubara’s ongoing disbursement of funds since January 2023 violated the 1999 Constitution, which mandates full legislative review of budget allocations before disbursement.
During a special thanksgiving service held to recognize the endurance of his administration, which has faced numerous challenges including an arson attack on the Rivers State House of Assembly on October 29, 2023, Fubara assured citizens that his government remains committed to ensuring the financial stability of the state.
The governor promised that, despite the recent legal obstacles, payments to contractors would be completed, and state workers would receive their salaries as early as Thursday.
Governor Fubara further clarified that the 23 local government council chairmen would also receive their allocations, as procedures with the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) had been completed. He encouraged his supporters to stay resilient, emphasizing that the state would navigate these obstacles successfully.
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Governor Fubara noted that his government has surpassed expectations by conducting local elections, maintaining a full cabinet, and continuing projects across Rivers State despite attempts to undermine his leadership.
His administration, he added, has earned positive recognition for promoting financial transparency, which has helped counter criticism from his opponents regarding the state’s governance.
Governor Fubara also addressed an incident on October 30 of the previous year, which he described as a violent ambush and an “assassination attempt” by political adversaries.
He alleged that the attack was organized by opponents following a legal move that withdrew support for the Martin Amaewhule group.
According to Fubara, this decision was influenced by President Tinubu’s intervention, an attempt to maintain peace that ultimately left his administration exposed to opposition forces.
