Abuja, Nigeria – The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a controversial ruling that had restricted the flow of funds to the Rivers State government.
The lower court’s decision had prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from disbursing funds to the state.
The appellate court, led by Justice Hamman Barka, determined that the lower court had exceeded its authority by interfering with the state’s revenue allocation. The judges ruled that the topic of state revenue fell outside the jurisdiction of the lower court. 
The lower court’s decision had stemmed from a lawsuit filed against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, alleging that his receipt and distribution of monthly allocations since January 2024 violated the constitution.
The lower court judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, had also deemed the governor’s presentation of the 2024 budget to the state assembly as unconstitutional.
However, the Appeal Court has now reversed these rulings, allowing the Rivers State government to access its funds and proceed with its governance functions. This decision has significant implications for the state’s financial autonomy and its ability to deliver public services.
What are your thoughts on the Appeal Court’s decision? Do you believe it will have a significant impact on the relationship between state governments and the federal government in Nigeria? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
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