Skip to main content

Rivers governor told to refund illegally spent funds after court ruling

Gov Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers [NAN]

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a judgment, held that the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January 2024 by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers is a constitutional somersault and aberration that must not be allowed to continue.

The National Democratic and Change Coalition (NDCC) has called on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to refund state funds allegedly spent without approval, following a Federal High Court ruling.

The court recently ordered a freeze on further disbursements to Rivers State due to alleged constitutional violations in the state's budget process.

In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja found that Governor Fubara's presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member House of Assembly was constitutionally invalid.

As a result, the court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and Rivers State accounts at Zenith Bank and Access Bank from releasing further funds to the state.

Reacting to the decision, the NDCC lauded Justice Abdulmalik for what they described as a "landmark judgement."

NDCC President John Uloko, in a statement, asserted that the ruling vindicates Rivers State residents.

He noted, "Since January 2024, Rivers State has received and spent allocations based on an 'illegitimate' budget—a constitutional aberration. This ruling upholds democracy and teaches rogue governors a bitter lesson in constitutional respect."

The NDCC, a coalition of legal professionals, further criticised Governor Fubara's reliance on a four-member Assembly.

Uloko emphasised, "Allowing four members to constitute a 32-member House of Assembly defies both logic and the constitution."

The coalition demanded that Governor Fubara reverse all decisions made under the disputed Assembly, calling it a "theatre of the absurd."

They urged the Governor to resubmit the state budget to a fully constituted Rivers State House of Assembly to ensure due process.

The statement urged, "Governor Fubara must respect the Constitution and let Rivers State breathe by halting unnecessary political strife."

ridoola.blogspot.com.ng
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

List of America's one-term presidents & why they were not re-elected

U.S. President Joe Biden becomes the most recent entrant in a list of president who served for only one term. U.S. President Joe Biden announced that he would not be seeking re-election for a second term in the November 5, 2024 elections. Biden, in a statement said that he would be focused on completing his remaining term, endorsing his Vice President Kamala Harris as his most preferred nominee for the Democratic Party to take on former President Donald Trump. Joe Biden endorses Kamala Harris as Democrats' candidate after withdrawing from race [X:@JoeBiden] Biden now joins a list of former U.S. Presidents that only served for one term. John Adams (1797-1801) The second president of the United States, John Adams was a Founding Father who faced significant challenges during his presidency, including conflicts with political adversaries and foreign nations. His support for the Alien and Sedition Acts, perceived as a violation of civil liberties, contributed to his unpopulari...
Post a Comment
Read more

Tinubu appoints MKO Abiola's son, Jamiu as SSA on Linguistics & Foreign Matters

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Jamiu Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters. The appointee is one of the children of the late Chief Moshood Kolawole Abiola , the winner of the 1993 presidential election annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida . According to a statement by Segun Imohiosen , the Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, Jamiu's appointment took effect from November 14, 2024. Imohiosen said the appointment aligns with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended. Until his recent deployment, the appointee served as the Special Assistant to the President of Special Duties in the office of the Vice President. Tinubu tasked Jamiu to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new ...
Post a Comment
Read more

EndSARS, Aba women riot & 3 historical protests that shook Nigeria

These protests underscore the resilience and activism of the Nigerian people in their pursuit of justice, equity, and better governance. Ahead of the planned nationwide protest against President Bola Tinubu's administration, lawmakers and other government officials have appealed to Nigerian youths to shun the protest and seek dialogue for resolution. It is believed that the federal government has already stepped up advocacy and appeals to avoid what happened in Kenya a few weeks ago. The planned demonstration slated for Thursday, August 1, further stretches Nigeria's rich history of civil protests driven by various socio-political and economic issues. These protests have significantly influenced the country's trajectory. Here are five historical protests that have left an indelible mark on Nigeria: 1. Aba Women's Riot (1929) Aba Women's Riot (1929) The Aba Women's Riot, also known as the Women's War, was a major anti-colonial revolt by women in sou...
Post a Comment
Read more