Supreme Court Stops Central Bank From Releasing Funds To Fubara-Led Rivers Govt, Nullifies October 2024 Local Council Elections
On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a significant ruling that further deepened the political crisis in Rivers State. In a unanimous decision, a five-member panel, led by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other related government agencies must immediately halt the disbursement of funds to the Rivers State Government. This drastic measure was imposed in response to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s ongoing refusal to comply with prior court rulings.
The ruling by the apex court stated that the restriction would remain in place until the Rivers State Government adhered to previous judicial orders that had been ignored by Governor Fubara. The case had attracted significant attention, particularly due to the broader implications for the state’s political environment. Governor Fubara’s actions and his disputes with the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, had sparked a political crisis that had escalated in recent months.
In addition to the disbursement restriction, the Supreme Court also dismissed a cross-appeal filed by Governor Fubara. In his appeal, the governor had challenged the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule. However, the court ruled in favor of Amaewhule and his colleagues, ordering them to resume legislative duties immediately. This ruling underscored the court’s stance on the importance of the legitimacy and functionality of the state legislature.
The court’s judgment also pointed to some significant violations in the way Governor Fubara had managed the legislative process. Specifically, the court criticized the governor for presenting the state’s appropriation bill to a four-member assembly, which was far from the full complement of representatives. This maneuver effectively excluded 28 constituencies from participating in the legislative process, undermining the democratic principle of inclusive representation. The court described this action as a violation of a prior order, which had required the governor to resubmit the 2024 budget to a properly constituted assembly.
Further condemning Governor Fubara’s actions, the Supreme Court also took issue with the manner in which he had handled the alleged defection of 28 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The court accused Fubara of attempting to use authoritarian tactics to undermine the legislature and inhibit its functions. This issue of defection had been at the heart of the leadership crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly and played a pivotal role in the broader political instability in the state.
One of the most contentious aspects of the judgment was the court’s condemnation of the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex. The court described this action as an abuse of executive power, aimed at silencing the legislature and further consolidating power in the hands of the governor. The demolition of the Assembly complex had been a highly symbolic act, one that was perceived by many as a direct assault on the autonomy of the legislature and the democratic process in the state.
In addition to the legislative issues, the Supreme Court also addressed the controversial local government elections held in Rivers State on October 5, 2024. Justice Jamilu Tukur, who delivered the ruling on the elections, declared the entire election process void, citing major violations of the Electoral Act. The court found that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had failed to adhere to electoral guidelines, including continuing voter registration after the election date had been announced. This violation, among others, led the court to nullify the elections and render the results invalid.
This ruling by the Supreme Court further complicated the political situation in Rivers State, where local elections had already been marred by allegations of irregularities. The nullification of the October 2024 elections meant that there would need to be a fresh election, one that adhered to the proper legal and electoral processes. The judgment was hailed by some as a necessary step to restore credibility to the electoral process in the state, while others viewed it as a further exacerbation of the political tensions between Governor Fubara and his political opponents.
The judgment also highlighted the broader context of the political crisis in Rivers State, which had been simmering since the end of the tenure of former Governor Nyesom Wike. Wike, who had been a major political figure in the state, was now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, but his influence in Rivers State remained significant. Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who was aligned with Wike, had become a central figure in the ongoing power struggle within the state legislature. Governor Fubara, who succeeded Wike as governor, had sought to challenge Amaewhule’s leadership, which led to a series of legal battles.
One of the central issues in the ongoing dispute was the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which was divided over the issue of defection. Governor Fubara argued that Speaker Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers had lost their seats after defecting from the PDP to the APC. Fubara’s position was that the defection of these lawmakers violated the legal and constitutional provisions governing such political changes, while Amaewhule and his supporters maintained that they had the right to switch political parties.
In earlier proceedings, the Supreme Court had already dismissed an appeal by Governor Fubara concerning the presentation of the 2024 budget to the Amaewhule-led Assembly. The ruling emphasized the importance of adhering to the constitutional provisions regarding the functioning of the legislature and reinforced the court’s stance on maintaining the rule of law in the state.
The political drama in Rivers State had been unfolding for months, with Governor Fubara and his allies seeking to assert control over the state apparatus, while the Amaewhule-led Assembly, supported by former Governor Wike, resisted these efforts. The Supreme Court ruling represented a significant moment in the struggle for political dominance within the state, with both sides of the conflict facing major challenges in the wake of the judgment.
As the legal and political battles in Rivers State continue to unfold, the impact of the Supreme Court’s rulings will likely have far-reaching consequences. The court’s decision to halt the disbursement of funds to the state government will put immense pressure on Governor Fubara’s administration, particularly in terms of its ability to govern effectively. Without access to critical funds, the state government may find it difficult to carry out essential functions, such as paying public workers, maintaining infrastructure, and executing development projects.
At the same time, the nullification of the October 2024 local government elections means that a new election will be required. This presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the political players in Rivers State. A fair and transparent election could help restore confidence in the electoral process, but there is also the risk that the election could become another battleground in the ongoing political struggle between Fubara, Amaewhule, and their respective allies.
For the people of Rivers State, the outcome of these legal and political battles will have significant implications for their daily lives. The crisis has already taken a toll on governance in the state, and the continued instability could further erode public trust in the political system. However, the Supreme Court’s rulings could also pave the way for greater accountability and a return to constitutional order, provided that the state’s political leaders respect the court’s decisions and work toward resolving their differences in a manner that upholds the rule of law.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, represents a watershed moment in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. By barring the disbursement of funds to the state government and nullifying the October 2024 local government elections, the court has underscored the importance of adhering to the rule of law and respecting judicial orders. The decision has significant implications for the state’s political future, and its effects will be felt for years to come. As the legal battles continue, the people of Rivers State will be watching closely to see whether their leaders can find a way to resolve their differences and restore stability to the state.
