The Supreme Court has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt the release of funds to the Rivers State government until a properly constituted House of Assembly is in place. Additionally, the court has ordered Martin Amaewhule to resume legislative duties immediately alongside all elected members.
This ruling remains in effect until the Rivers State government complies with court directives by forming a valid House of Assembly.
The court also instructed the Accountant General of the Federation and other relevant agencies to suspend fund disbursement to the state government until compliance is achieved.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, a five-member panel unanimously rejected a cross-appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who contested the legitimacy of the House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
The court criticized Governor Fubara for presenting the 2024 appropriation bill to a four-member Assembly, arguing that this deprived 28 constituencies of representation and disregarded an earlier directive requiring the budget to be submitted to a properly formed legislative body led by Amaewhule.
Additionally, the ruling condemned Governor Fubara’s handling of the alleged defection of 28 lawmakers, describing it as a misuse of power aimed at undermining the Assembly’s operations.
The court also denounced the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, stating that it constituted an abuse of authority designed to hinder legislative activities.
