Assembly Crisis: Supreme Court stops CBN, Accountant General from releasing funds to Rivers Govt
The Supreme Court has prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it addresses what the court described as its blatant disregard for court orders.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the five-member panel unanimously dismissed a cross-appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly, presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
The court ordered Martin Amaewhule to immediately resume his role as Speaker and convene the Assembly with all elected members. It further ruled that Governor Fubara’s presentation of an appropriation bill to a four-member Assembly was an anomaly, as it denied representation to 28 constituencies. This act, the court noted, violated a prior court order directing the governor to present the 2024 appropriation bill before a properly constituted Assembly led by Amaewhule.
The apex court described Governor Fubara’s actions concerning the alleged defection of 28 Assembly members as authoritarian, accusing him of attempting to undermine the House’s ability to perform its constitutional duties. It also condemned the governor’s demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, calling it an act of indiscipline and excessive use of executive power aimed at obstructing the Assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership.
More to follow…