Federal High Court Holds Back Decision on Rivers LGA Allocation Dispute

Controversy Surrounds Federal Allocations to Rivers LGAs as Court Withholds Judgment

In an ongoing legal battle over financial allocations, the Federal High Court in Abuja reserved its decision on a high-profile case regarding the Rivers LGA allocation dispute. The case, spearheaded by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, seeks to halt federal allocations intended for the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State, putting a spotlight on questions of fiscal responsibility and jurisdiction.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, overseeing the Rivers LGA allocation dispute, postponed judgment on Friday, rejecting requests to recuse herself from the case. Despite motions from the defense citing potential bias and the appropriateness of court jurisdiction, Justice Abdulmalik chose to proceed with the matter, declining to transfer it to the Federal High Court in Rivers State.

The case, registered under the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/984/24, names prominent defendants, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Zenith Bank, Access Bank, and the Accountant-General of the Federation. Additionally, high-ranking officials within Rivers State—such as Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the state’s Accountant-General, and members of the Rivers Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC)—are also implicated in the Rivers LGA allocation dispute.

During proceedings, counsel for the Rivers State government, Mr. Gordy Uche, SAN, argued that the Court of Appeal in Abuja is already reviewing aspects of the case, registered as appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/1197/2024. He requested a stay of the high court proceedings until the appeal could be heard, asserting that territorial jurisdiction issues should be resolved first.

Further complicating the Rivers LGA allocation dispute, the defense argued that Justice Abdulmalik’s handling of prior proceedings indicated potential bias, which they claimed could affect her objectivity. This sentiment was echoed by the counsel representing the Rivers State Accountant-General, Mr. Tuturu Edem, SAN, who expressed disbelief at certain procedural aspects of the case, asserting these were outside standard practice.

Despite these claims, Justice Abdulmalik deemed the motions requesting her withdrawal from the case as “frivolous and unwarranted.” She dismissed accusations of bias, affirming her commitment to handling the Rivers LGA allocation dispute impartially and in line with judicial standards.

As the case awaits a final ruling, it remains a focal point in ongoing debates over state and federal authority concerning local government finances. Key stakeholders continue to monitor the Rivers LGA allocation dispute, anticipating how the court’s ultimate decision could set a significant precedent for jurisdictional authority in Nigeria.