Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
The Supreme Court has upheld the decision of the Federal High Court, ordering the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt the disbursement of funds to the Rivers State government.
Truth Live News gathered that the ruling comes amid a budgetary crisis, with the apex court declaring that Rivers State currently lacks a validly approved budget.
The judgment also affirmed the legitimacy of the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, mandating them to resume legislative activities without delay.
“There is in Rivers State no budget validly passed by the RSHA. Therefore, Rivers State does not currently operate a budget,” the court ruled, reinforcing its stance that Governor Siminalayi Fubara must present the state’s budget through the House of Assembly for proper legislative approval.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court directed Governor Fubara to pay ₦5 million in damages to Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule. The ruling also instructed the Accountant General of the Federation to cease the release of any funds to the state government until a legally approved budget is in place.