Federal Government Affirms Commitment to Judicial Compliance Amid Legal Tussles
The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has assured adherence to court rulings regarding the contentious distribution of federal allocations to Rivers State. This commitment comes as legal disputes over the state’s financial entitlements intensify.
OAGF Reaffirms Commitment to Judicial Directives
Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, confirmed the government’s stance in a statement.
“Since there is a notice of appeal, the notice of appeal has overridden the earlier court judgment. So far, it is a court order that we will obey; if there is a notice of appeal, Rivers will be paid,” Mokwa said.
The assurance follows a Federal High Court ruling on October 30, which barred the Federal Government from releasing monthly allocations to Rivers State. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik’s decision specifically restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from allowing Rivers State to access funds from the consolidated revenue account.
Legal Background: High Court Order Sparks Appeals
The case, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/984/24, was initiated by the Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The ruling has drawn significant legal scrutiny, with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara taking steps to overturn the decision.
Governor Fubara’s Appeal for Allocation Access
On Friday, Governor Fubara, represented by a legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Yusuf Ali, urged the Court of Appeal in Abuja to nullify the high court’s judgment. The governor argued that the ruling, which prevents the CBN from disbursing monthly allocations to the state, was issued in bad faith.
Fubara’s appeal, marked as CA/ABJ/CV/1303/2024, calls for the appellate court to vacate the Federal High Court’s restraining order and restore Rivers State’s financial access.
Consolidation of Appeals
The Justice Hamma Barka-led appellate panel also consolidated five related appeals arising from the initial ruling. These appeals, filed by various appellants including the Rivers State Government, the Accountant-General of Rivers State, and Zenith Bank Plc, were marked as follows:
- CA/ABJ/CV/1277/24
- CA/ABJ/CV/1196/24
- CA/ABJ/CV/1287/24
- CA/ABJ/CV/1293/24
- CA/ABJ/CV/1360/2024
What’s Next?
As the legal battle unfolds, the federal government remains resolute in adhering to judicial processes. Meanwhile, Rivers State seeks relief from the appellate court to regain access to its federal allocations and sustain ongoing developmental efforts.
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