The Supreme Court of Nigeria has ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant financial institutions must withhold funds from the Rivers State government until it complies with court orders. The apex court issued this directive, citing what it described as the state government’s blatant disregard for judicial authority.

A five-member panel of the court, in a unanimous decision, dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, lasted one hour and thirty-six minutes and reaffirmed the authority of the Assembly.

Additionally, the Supreme Court nullified the tenure of all local government chairpersons elected by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission in the October 2024 election. The court further directed Speaker Amaewhule and other duly elected lawmakers to resume legislative activities immediately.

The court condemned Governor Fubara’s decision to present the 2024 appropriation bill before a four-member House of Assembly, ruling that such an action deprived twenty-eight constituencies of proper representation. It held that the governor’s defiance of court directives was unconstitutional and undermined the legitimacy of the legislative process.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court described Fubara’s handling of the alleged defection of twenty-eight Assembly members as an act of brigandage and dictatorship aimed at obstructing the House’s lawful functions. The court also criticized the governor for authorizing the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, deeming it an abuse of executive power intended to prevent the Assembly from convening.