In a landmark ruling, the Appeal Court in Abuja has set aside all orders restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government.
This decision, handed down by a three-member panel presided over by Justice Hamman Barka, effectively clears the way for the Rivers State Government to access its funds.
According to the court’s ruling, the subject matter relating to the revenue of the state was not within the jurisdiction of the lower court.
The appellate court also took issue with orders made by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, deeming them unconstitutional and a clear overreach of the lower court’s authority.
By setting aside these orders, the Appeal Court has restored the Rivers State Government’s access to its consolidated revenue fund.
This ruling is a significant development in the ongoing dispute between the Rivers State Government and a faction of the State House of Assembly loyal to erstwhile governor and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
