The Rivers State Government celebrated a pivotal legal victory as the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal overturned a previous Federal High Court ruling that had restricted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) from disbursing funds to the state.
This decision was met with jubilation across the state, marking an end to what the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, described as "judicial terrorism."
The controversy began on October 30, when Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of a Federal High Court in Abuja issued a judgment halting the release of monthly allocations to Rivers State.
The judge argued that the presentation of the 2024 budget by Governor Siminalayi Fubara before what she termed the "illegitimate" Rivers House of Assembly violated constitutional provisions. She emphasized the necessity of presenting appropriation bills to the appropriate House of Assembly before any legitimate disbursement or withdrawal could occur.
However, this decision was challenged, leading to the involvement of the Court of Appeal. A three-member panel, led by Justice Hamman Barka, reviewed the case and concluded that the Federal High Court had overstepped its jurisdiction.
The appellate court clarified that the mere involvement of federal agencies did not automatically grant the Federal High Court unrestricted jurisdiction over matters concerning state appropriations. The court further stated that issues related to state appropriations are internal affairs that fall under the purview of the State High Court.
In its ruling, the Court of Appeal set aside all orders previously made by Justice Abdulmalik, declaring them unconstitutional. The appellate court's decision underscored the importance of respecting the boundaries of judicial authority and reaffirmed the autonomy of state governance within the framework of Nigeria's constitutional democracy.
Joseph Johnson, speaking on behalf of the Rivers State Government, expressed relief and satisfaction with the appellate court's decision. He highlighted the judgment as a reinforcement of constitutional governance principles and a victory for the people of Rivers State.
Johnson remarked, "The judgement has asserted a sacred principle of our constitutional governance and democracy." He criticized the initial ruling as an overreach by the Federal High Court, labeling it as an act of "judicial terrorism" against the people of Rivers State.
The reversal of the Federal High Court's decision was not only a legal triumph but also a moment of celebration for the citizens of Rivers State. The state secretariat reportedly erupted in jubilation upon hearing the news, reflecting widespread public approval of the appellate court's ruling.
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