The Supreme Court has issued a ruling barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing funds to the Rivers State government until the state’s House of Assembly is properly constituted in accordance with the 1999 Constitution.
In its verdict delivered on Friday, the apex court also upheld the legitimacy of the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, affirming its members as the duly recognized lawmakers.
The Court has ruled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara acted unlawfully by presenting the 2024 appropriation bill to a four-member House of Assembly, thereby denying 28 constituencies proper representation in violation of a court order.
The apex court also condemned Fubara’s actions regarding the alleged defection of 28 lawmakers, describing it as dictatorial and aimed at obstructing the legitimate functions of the Amaewhule-led Assembly.
Additionally, the court criticized the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, labeling it an abuse of executive power intended to frustrate the legislative process.
The ruling has sparked anxiety across the state.
The decision comes amid an ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, where the composition and authority of the state legislature have been a subject of intense legal battles.
More to come…
