The Nigerian government has halted the monthly allocation to Rivers State, citing a court order that bars the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing funds to the state.
This development follows an ongoing legal dispute between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike.
The federal government’s action was confirmed by Bawa Mokwa, the spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), who stated that the government would comply with the court order.
Mokwa emphasized that until a contrary order is issued, the government would adhere to the judgment that restricts the release of federal allocations to Rivers State.
The court order was obtained by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule. This faction filed an originating summons against the Rivers State Executive, led by Governor Fubara, alleging that the executive failed to comply with a Federal High Court ruling.
The Federal High Court had directed the state government to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill to the Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly, a ruling which has caused considerable tension between the state executive and the legislative branch.
Speaking on the situation, Mokwa explained that the Office of the Accountant General would respect the court’s decision. He added that the stoppage of the allocation was in accordance with the law, and the office would continue to follow due diligence until further orders were received.
“The October 2024 FAAC has not been distributed yet,” Mokwa said. “However, the Federal Government will obey the court order on the matter of Rivers State allocation. We are going to follow due diligence as long as there is no contrary order. If a contrary order is issued, the status will change.”
The Federal Allocation Account Committee (FAAC) is responsible for disbursing monthly revenue to all levels of government in Nigeria, including the states, local governments, and the federal government. The freezing of Rivers State’s allocation is a significant move, as it directly impacts the state’s financial resources and governance.
The Amaewhule faction of the House of Assembly has accused the state executive of defying the court’s order to re-present the appropriation bill. The action has led to a standoff between the executive and legislative branches of Rivers State’s government, with both sides accusing each other of misconduct.
“The federal government has no choice but to obey the court,” Mokwa continued. “Until there is a contrary order, Rivers State’s allocation will remain frozen. The process of disbursement of the October 2024 monthly allocation is still ongoing.”
The Rivers State government, under Governor Fubara, has expressed frustration over the freeze on its allocation. Governor Fubara’s administration has called the court ruling politically motivated and an attempt to destabilize the state.
“The federal government should not be used as a tool to punish the people of Rivers State,” Governor Fubara said in response to the freeze. “This is a clear case of political manipulation, and we will continue to fight for the interests of the people of Rivers State.”
The political tension in Rivers State has been rising, with accusations of political interference coming from both sides. Governor Fubara has frequently clashed with former Governor Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Governor Wike’s influence in Rivers State remains significant, and his role in the current standoff has raised eyebrows. Many believe that the conflict between Fubara and Wike is rooted in a broader power struggle, with both leaders vying for control of the state’s political landscape.
The Rivers State Assembly’s division has added another layer of complexity to the situation. The Amaewhule faction, which is aligned with Wike, has maintained that Governor Fubara’s administration has failed to follow the rule of law, including the court order regarding the appropriation bill.
In contrast, Fubara’s supporters argue that the Amaewhule faction is simply a political tool used by Wike to undermine the current administration.
Political analysts believe that the freeze on Rivers State’s allocation could have serious consequences for both the state’s governance and its financial stability. Without the monthly FAAC allocations, Governor Fubara’s administration may struggle to fund critical infrastructure projects and government programs.
The court order that led to the freeze has also raised questions about the independence of the judiciary in Nigeria. Critics argue that the decision could be seen as politically motivated, and that it sets a dangerous precedent for future legal and political conflicts in the country.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on the ongoing legal proceedings, as the case progresses through the courts. Governor Fubara’s legal team is expected to challenge the ruling, seeking to have the allocation freeze lifted.
“This is not just about Rivers State,” Governor Fubara emphasized. “It is about ensuring that justice is done for all Nigerians, no matter their political affiliation.”
