A Federal High Court located in Abuja has issued a significant order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from continuing to disburse monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State government. This ruling comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the management of state funds and their constitutional implications. The court's decision raises questions about the authority and financial autonomy of state governments in Nigeria, particularly in relation to the oversight of federal institutions like the CBN.
The implications of this ruling could have far-reaching effects on the state’s budget and its ability to fund essential services and projects. Without access to these monthly allocations, Rivers State may face substantial challenges in maintaining public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. This could potentially hinder economic growth and affect the quality of life for residents within the state.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for constitutional adherence in financial governance. According to her, the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January this year by governor Siminalayi Fubara is a Constitutional sommersault and aberration that must not be allowed to continue. The judge's strong language indicates a commitment to uphold constitutional principles in the governance of financial matters, reflecting the court's role in ensuring legal compliance among state officials.
She held that the presentation of the 2024 budget by Fubara before a 4-member Rivers House of Assembly was an affront to the Constitutional provision. This statement suggests that the governor may have acted outside the bounds of legality in his budgetary processes, raising concerns about the legitimacy of state legislative actions. The ruling signals a potential shift in how state financial matters are monitored and controlled, further intensifying scrutiny on the governance of Rivers State. Overall, the court's decision underscores the critical intersection of law and governance in Nigeria, particularly concerning the allocation and management of public funds.