On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria issued a unanimous judgment halting the release of funds to the Rivers State Government. The court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) to suspend further disbursements until a valid Appropriation Act is enacted by a lawfully constituted Rivers State House of Assembly.
This decision stems from a political crisis in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara had presented the 2024 budget to a faction of the House comprising only four members. The Supreme Court deemed this action unconstitutional, emphasizing that legislative business cannot be conducted without a quorum and proper representation.
The court reaffirmed Martin Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and directed him, along with the other 26 members previously excluded, to resume their legislative duties immediately. The justices criticized Governor Fubara’s actions, describing them as an unlawful attempt to undermine the legislature due to fears of impeachment.
Additionally, the Supreme Court overturned a prior Court of Appeal decision that had vacated an order preventing the release of funds to Rivers State. The apex court held that the Federal High Court in Abuja possessed the necessary jurisdiction to hear the case concerning the state’s funds and legislative processes.
In summary, the Supreme Court’s ruling mandates the suspension of financial allocations to Rivers State until a duly constituted House of Assembly passes a valid budget, thereby reinforcing the principles of constitutional governance and legislative due process.
