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The Rivers State Government has reacted to the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, which stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing further financial allocations to the state. According to Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, the state government anticipated this judgment and has already appealed it.
Johnson expressed confidence that the Appeal Court will overturn the judgment, citing that the presiding judge had refused to grant the request for 23 local government chairmen to join the case, denied the state's request to change its lawyer, and disregarded its objection challenging the Federal High Court's jurisdiction.
The Federal High Court's judgment was made in response to a suit filed by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule and loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike. The court ruled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara's presentation of the 2024 Appropriation Bill to a four-member Assembly, which was not properly constituted, should not be allowed to stand.
The crisis in Rivers State stems from a dispute over the legitimacy of the state's House of Assembly. A faction of the Assembly, led by Amaewhule, had filed a suit challenging the legitimacy of the Assembly, which led to the Federal High Court's judgment. This dispute has been ongoing, with both sides claiming legitimacy.
The Rivers State Government has assured its citizens that there is no cause for alarm, as it has appealed the judgment and is confident of a favorable outcome. Johnson stated, "We saw this judgment coming... The judgment has already been appealed, and I believe that the Court of Appeal will overturn the judgment". He further emphasized that the state government under Governor Fubara's leadership is prepared to continue its operations, despite the judgment.
The judgment has significant implications for the state's finances, as it prevents the CBN from releasing further allocations until a lawful appropriation act is passed by a validly constituted House of Assembly. This could potentially hinder the state's ability to deliver essential services to its citizens.
The citizens of Rivers State remain anxious, hoping for a resolution that will ensure the continued development of their state. As the situation unfolds, attention turns to the Appeal Court, whose decision will be crucial in determining the outcome of this crisis.
The Rivers State Government has vowed to continue working for the people, despite the challenges posed by the judgment. Governor Fubara's administration remains committed to delivering on its campaign promises and ensuring the well-being of all Rivers State citizens.
Comrade Joseph Johnson, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, noted that a copy of the statement has been sent to all relevant stakeholders, including the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Central Bank of Nigeria. He reiterated the state government's optimism about the outcome of the appeal, stating that the people of Rivers State await the Appeal Court's decision, hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis. This development was made public on October 31, 2024.