Court Stops fund disbursement to Rivers State from federal account

The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred CBN from releasing monthly financial allocations to Rivers State, alleging Governor Fubara’s 2024 budget disbursement violated constitutional guidelines.

The judgement delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday, cited “constitutional inconsistency” and “aberration” in the presentation of the 2024 budget by Fubara before a 4-member Rivers House of Assembly.

Abdulmalik highlighted that the manner of his recent presentation of the 2024 budget to the state’s legislature before only four members seating was a “flagrant affront” to constitutional requirements.

The court held that the scenario in implementing unlawful budget by Fubara is a gross violation of the constitutional principles enshrined in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution he swore to protect.

Again, Justice Abdulmalik condemned Fubara’s disbursement and receipt of monthly allocations, saying that these actions have “grossly violated the Constitution” that the governor swore to uphold.

As a result, the court issued a restraining order not only to the Central Bank of Nigeria but also to the Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank from allowing Fubara access to Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account funds.