A Federal High Court in Abuja said that the Federal Government couldn’t give Rivers State its monthly payments. The court told the Central Bank of Nigeria to stop the state from taking money out of the consolidated income account. The group led by Hon. Martins Amaewhule in the Rivers State House of Assembly brought the suit that led to this decision by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
The Case’s Background
Plaintiffs say that Governor Siminalayi Fubara did not follow a court order to give the 2024 Appropriation Bill to their group. Instead, they say, he gave it to a four-person group led by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo. The court had already said that Hon. Amaewhule was the real Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which meant that Oko-Jumbo’s group’s budget plan for 2024 was not valid.
Important Things
The Federal High Court said that FG could not send monthly payments to Rivers State because Governor Fubara didn’t follow the court’s order to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Amaewhule-led faction. Previous court rulings said that the High Court and Court of Appeal recognized Amaewhule as the real Speaker, which meant that the 2024 budget proposal was invalid. Governor Fubara is accused of taking money out of consolidated revenues funds without permission, which is against Section 120 of the 1999 Constitution.
What It Means
This event could have big effects on how Rivers State is run and how much money it has. What the court says may:
Stop the state government from working * Not pay salaries and pensions * Affect ongoing projects and growth plans * Make the state’s economy uncertain * Change the way the state and federal governments work together
What Happens
The group led by Hon. Amaewhule was happy with the court’s ruling and said it supported their view that the Rivers State House of Assembly was legitimate. The government of Governor Fubara has not yet said anything about the decision.
What to Do Next
The case is likely to go on in court, and there could be appeals and other civil action. The result will have major effects on the political scene and government structure in Rivers State.
Timetable
November: Governor Fubara’s government is likely to file an appeal on December: The Supreme Court may decide to review the case in 2025: The full effects of the decision will be felt.
Analysis
This decision shows how complicated Nigeria’s federal government is and how tense things are in Rivers State right now. Following the Constitution and the rule of law is very important, as the court’s ruling shows.
In conclusion
The Federal High Court’s decision has big effects on how Rivers State is run and how much money it has. As the case goes on, people all over the country are holding their breath to see how this important legal fight ends.
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