Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order stopping the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.
This decision followed a ruling on Wednesday, where the judge determined that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before only four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly contravened constitutional requirements.
Justice Abdulmalik characterized the disbursement and use of funds under this budget since January as a “constitutional somersault and aberration,” and emphasized that such practices must not persist.
She further criticized Governor Fubara for what she called “gross violations” of the 1999 Constitution, which he pledged to uphold.
In addition to halting the CBN’s allocations, the judge also directed the Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank to block Fubara’s access to funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Accounts.
