An Abuja Federal High Court has issued an order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing funds to the Rivers State government until a lawful budget is passed by a validly constituted House of Assembly.
In a ruling on Wednesday, presiding Judge Joyce Abdulmalik clarified that funds from the federation account should remain withheld until an appropriation act is approved by the state’s legislative body.
The decision follows a suit filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, seeking to ensure that financial allocations are managed according to constitutional requirements. This judgment underscores the importance of legislative oversight in the state’s fiscal governance.
