Federal Court Overrules Rivers State on Suit Challenging Governor’s Financial Decisions

Rivers State’s objections dismissed as Abuja court proceeds with case seeking to halt Governor Fubara’s expenditures

In a recent ruling, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the Rivers State government’s objections to a suit challenging Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s financial decision-making. This case, filed by the Rivers House of Assembly and key figures like Martin Amaewhule, aims to halt all expenditures authorized by Governor Fubara, thereby igniting debates over the Rivers financial decision challenge.

The plaintiffs argue that Governor Fubara’s spending directives should be suspended until a full review is completed. However, the Rivers State government contended that the case should not proceed in Abuja, citing procedural concerns. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, overseeing the case, dismissed these objections, describing the arguments as “frivolous” and “mischievous.”

Key parties involved include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant-General of the Federation, and major financial institutions. The Rivers financial decision challenge gained additional complexity when the Rivers State House of Assembly, under Oko Jumbo, sought to change legal representation, asserting that Amaewhule lacked the authority to initiate the case. This attempt was also rejected, reinforcing the court’s commitment to advancing the proceedings without delays.

The Rivers government’s appeal to the Court of Appeals and its application for a stay on proceedings reflects a strong opposition to the Rivers financial decision challenge.