Advocacy group commends s’court judgment stopping Rivers allocations, says it’s win for democracy

The Rivers Good Governance Agenda (RGGA) has commended the supreme court’s judgement stopping the disbursement of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds to Rivers state.

In the judgement delivered on Friday, a five-member panel of the apex court affirmed the judgement of a federal high court that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the accountant-general of the federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers state.

The court also ordered the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers state house of assembly and other elected members to resume sitting.

The Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers assembly is loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and immediate former governor of the state.

The supreme court also nullified the local government election held in Rivers on October 5, 2024.

Reacting to the judgement in a statement on Sunday, Prince King James, RGGA president, described the court’s decision as a “significant victory for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of democratic institutions in Nigeria”.

The group argued that the move was necessary to prevent the use of state resources to further an “authoritarian agenda”.

The RGGA further emphasised that the supreme court’s judgement marks the beginning of a new era where state governors can no longer act with impunity.

“The Rivers Good Governance Agenda (RGGA) commends the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its landmark judgement against the Rivers State government. This ruling has not only reaffirmed the sanctity of the rule of law, but has also restored hope in the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” the group said.

“This judgement, which was delivered on the 28th of February, 2025, is a monumental victory for constitutional democracy, the people of Rivers State, and indeed, all Nigerians who cherish the principles of justice, fairness, and the separation of powers.

“However, we believe that the Supreme Court’s decision to halt the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government is a bold and necessary step in safeguarding the integrity of our democracy.

“This judgement is a great move towards the restoration of constitutional democracy under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose commitment to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary has been very firm.

“Moreover, the actions of Governor Fubara, including his unlawful dismantling of the Rivers State House of Assembly and efforts to prevent the 27 elected members from performing their constitutional duties, represent a blatant disregard for democracy. These actions were believed to have been carried out under the pretense of political survival, ignoring the fact that democracy thrives on robust participation from all branches of government.

“The Supreme Court’s judgment is clear in its condemnation of these actions, ordering the immediate reinstatement of the House of Assembly, the Clerk, and the Deputy Clerk who were unjustly redeployed.

“It is equally important to note that the governor’s attempts to operate with only four out of the 32 members of the House of Assembly are a clear violation of the constitutional framework that guarantees the independence of the legislative arm of government.

“The ruling has reaffirmed that no executive, regardless of the office they occupy, has the right to undermine or manipulate the legislature to perpetuate personal or partisan interests.

“The RGGA also wishes to commend the judiciary for its courage and independence in delivering this landmark judgment. The Supreme Court’s decision is a reminder that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and a bulwark against tyranny. We urge the judiciary to continue to uphold the constitution and ensure that justice is served without fear or favour.”

The Rivers Good Governance Agenda (RGGA) said it will remain committed to the principles of good governance, the rule of law, and the sanctity of democratic institutions.