In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has issued a restraining order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing funds to the Rivers State Government. The decision, which underscores the ongoing legal and political tussle in the state, is expected to have significant implications for governance and financial operations in Rivers.
Furthermore, the apex court has directed the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule, to reconvene with all elected members of the legislative body. This directive seeks to restore legislative activities and resolve the lingering crisis within the state’s political structure.
In another decisive pronouncement, the Supreme Court nullified the October 2024 local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), declaring the process unconstitutional. The verdict effectively removes all local government chairpersons elected during the exercise, throwing the administration of local councils into uncertainty.
The ruling is expected to further intensify the political dynamics in Rivers State, which has been embroiled in a power struggle in recent months. Political analysts anticipate that the judgment will reshape the state’s governance landscape, with various stakeholders expected to react in the coming days.
