The Rivers State Government is actively challenging a Federal High Court ruling that halted the Central Bank of Nigeria from disbursing funds to the state due to procedural issues with budget approval. This decision stems from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s controversial presentation of the 2024 budget to only four Assembly members, a move the court found unconstitutional. The ruling also cited Fubara’s ongoing use of state funds without the Assembly’s full approval as a constitutional violation.
The governor’s administration, led by Information Commissioner Joseph Johnson, expressed confidence that the appeal will reverse this judgment. Johnson highlighted procedural concerns, including the court’s refusal to admit local council chairmen as interested parties and to allow the state to switch legal representation.
This case is part of a broader political conflict between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, a political ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. The tensions have previously sparked impeachment attempts against Fubara, intensifying the standoff.