Court Halts Monthly Allocations to Rivers State Over Constitutional Violations

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial bodies from disbursing monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government. The decision follows allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before only a four-member Rivers State Assembly violated constitutional requirements.

Justice Abdulmalik criticised the governor’s actions, describing the budget presentation and subsequent allocation disbursements as “a constitutional aberration.” She further declared that the receipt and usage of these allocations since January 2024 undermined constitutional provisions and must be halted immediately.

The court’s ruling restricts the CBN, Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank from providing Governor Fubara access to funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account. Further details on this ruling are expected to follow.