The Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to cease all monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State government.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgement on Wednesday, citing “constitutional somersault” and “aberration” in how Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been handling the state’s budget since January.
Justice Abdulmalik’s decision follows Rivers State Governor Fubara’s recent presentation of the 2024 budget to the state’s legislature. The judge highlighted that only four members were present in the Rivers State House of Assembly when Fubara presented the budget, which she called a “flagrant affront” to constitutional requirements.
This setup, the court held, is a gross violation of the constitutional principles enshrined in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
Furthermore, Justice Abdulmalik condemned Fubara’s disbursement and receipt of monthly allocations, saying that these actions have “grossly violated the Constitution” that the governor swore to uphold.
Consequently, the court issued a restraining order not only to the Central Bank of Nigeria but also to the Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank.
These institutions are now prohibited from granting Fubara access to funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Accounts.
Chioma Kalu
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