The Supreme Court of Nigeria has issued a restraining order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until a valid Appropriation Act is passed by a lawfully constituted House of Assembly, with Martins Amaewhule recognized as Speaker.
Key Rulings by the Supreme Court
✅ Rivers Assembly Members to Resume Duties:
The five-member panel of justices, in a unanimous judgment delivered on Friday, ruled that Martins Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers, who were alleged to have defected, must be allowed to resume legislative duties unhindered.
✅ Governor Fubara's Conduct Condemned:
Justice Emmanuel Agim, delivering the lead judgment, criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of attempting to destroy the Rivers State Government by unlawfully pulling down the House of Assembly building over fear of impeachment.
✅ Previous Appeal Court Judgment Overturned:
The Supreme Court overturned an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal, which held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over cases concerning Rivers State funds.
✅ N50 Million Cost Awarded Against Fubara:
The apex court ordered Governor Fubara and the Rivers State Government to pay N50 million in legal costs to the Rivers State House of Assembly and Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
Implications of the Judgment
🔹 Rivers State funds will be withheld until a lawfully constituted House of Assembly passes the Appropriation Act.
🔹 Amaewhule-led lawmakers are reinstated, granting them full legislative authority.
🔹 Governor Fubara faces legal and political pressure, as the Supreme Court condemns his actions.
This landmark ruling intensifies the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, setting the stage for a potential showdown between the Governor and the Legislature.
