- In December 2023, Fubara presented an N800 billion budget estimate to the Edison Ehie-led faction of the house of assembly.
- The assembly has been polarised following the rift between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
- The Amaewhule-led faction of the legislature is loyal to Wike.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized a federal high court’s decision to halt financial allocations to Rivers State, citing potential “destabilization.”
On Wednesday, Abuja’s federal high court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to cease disbursing funds to the Rivers State government.
Presiding Judge Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that funds should be withheld until a lawfully constituted house of assembly passes an appropriation act.
The Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly filed the suit, arguing Governor Siminalayi Fubara erred in presenting the 2024 Appropriation Bill to a “not properly constituted” five-member assembly.
Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, stated it was alarming that “elements loyal to the federal government were pulling strings” from behind.
Ibe questioned Abdulmalik’s decision to issue an injunction despite Rivers State’s ongoing appeal.
The statement read, “Last week the Court of Appeal declared the Rivers State budget illegal due to passage by an inchoate assembly.
“The court ordered Governor Fubara to present the budget anew — Rivers State Government has filed a notice of appeal for Supreme Court review.
“However, elements within the Bola Tinubu administration secured a judgment to undermine the Supreme Court.
“Before the judgment, Femi Falana (SAN) alerted Justice John Tsoho to potential compromise after judges received house gifts in Abuja.”
Atiku stated Nigeria has “descended into the theatre of the absurd” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He added that courts “play a more ignoble role in fostering political crises within parties and states.”
Atiku cited examples, “From Kano’s emirship dispute to Rivers, where courts prevent elections, reverting Nigeria to June 12, 1993’s dark days.”
“Under democracy advocates’ leadership, Nigeria descends into chaos with conflicting court orders and induced judges.”
“Nigerians lose faith in the institution, their last hope. Foreign investors avoid places where judgments are bought,” he added.
Atiku warned, “Nigeria should not become a Hobessian state where life is short and brutal.”
The statement added that Rivers State holds 25% of Nigeria’s oil assets.Tinubu should prioritize Nigeria’s interest over his 2027 ambition.
In his wrap-up, Atiku commended Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun for summoning judges handling Rivers cases.
Atiku urged the CJN to discipline errant judges to restore judicial integrity.
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