Federal Government Assures Rivers Will Receive Federal Allocation Amid Legal Disputes
The Federal Government has assured that Rivers State will continue to receive its federal allocation despite ongoing legal disputes regarding the state’s financial entitlements.
The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa, confirmed on Friday that allocations would be disbursed in compliance with court orders. Speaking to The PUNCH, Mokwa stated, “Since there is a notice of appeal, the notice has overridden the earlier court judgment. Rivers will be paid.”
This development follows an October 30, 2024, ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja, which directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold Rivers State’s monthly allocations. The judgment declared Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member House of Assembly unconstitutional.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who delivered the judgment, described the budget process as a “constitutional aberration,” citing Sections 91 and 96 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandate budget approval by a fully constituted legislative house.
The case arose from a lawsuit filed by the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, challenging the legitimacy of the four-member faction loyal to Fubara. The court previously annulled the authority of the four-member Assembly, declaring its decisions void.
Justice Abdulmalik further ruled that the state’s expenditures since January 2024 were based on an illegitimate budget, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the Assembly’s composition and its approval powers. The court dismissed applications for a stay of proceedings and a recusal request against Justice Abdulmalik, labeling them as “frivolous and vexatious.”
In response, the Rivers State Government filed an appeal, effectively overriding the initial judgment. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, expressed confidence in the appeal process, stating that they anticipate a favorable ruling from the Court of Appeal.
The OAGF’s confirmation provides temporary relief for the state, ensuring continued allocation payments pending the final resolution of the legal battle. Meanwhile, political tensions remain high, with Governor Fubara navigating disputes over legislative authority and failed impeachment attempts by factions allegedly loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
