….Directs Pro-Wike 27 Lawmakers To Resume Sitting Without Interference, impose N5m Fine Against Fubara
Olayiwola Matthew
The Supreme Court on Friday reinstated its order stopping the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers State.
Additionally, the court directed the Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume sitting without interference.
The apex court criticized the Court of Appeal for lifting the initial order, ruling that the Federal High Court in Abuja had the jurisdiction to hear the case filed by the 27 lawmakers challenging the unauthorized withdrawal of state funds.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, delivering the lead judgment, held that the core issue was Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s refusal to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill before the validly recognized Assembly.
The court rejected Fubara’s justification for presenting the budget to just five lawmakers, stating that the doctrine of necessity could not be used to justify an illegal act.
Accusing Fubara of undermining governance due to impeachment fears, the court imposed a ₦5 million fine against him.