The Rivers State Government has appealed a recent Federal High Court ruling from Abuja that bars the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing federation allocations to the state. Governor Siminalayi Fubara also celebrated overcoming an impeachment attempt by the state House of Assembly faction led by Martin Amaewhule, who is reportedly aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, confirmed the appeal, expressing confidence that the Appeal Court would reverse the Federal High Court’s decision. He noted procedural irregularities in the initial judgment, citing refusals to admit council chairmen as co-defendants, change state representation, or address jurisdiction concerns.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, rebuked Governor Fubara’s 2024 budget presentation, which was approved by a four-member House of Assembly faction and labeled a constitutional violation. Justice Abdulmalik argued that the absence of a lawful appropriation bill undermines fiscal accountability, resulting in her order to restrict access to state funds held by Zenith Bank and Access Bank.
The Rivers government fears the ruling could impede civil service operations, including local government salaries and development projects, if upheld by the Appeal Court.
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