The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected a plea from the Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, to pause proceedings in an ongoing lawsuit challenging fund allocations to Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State.
This latest development adds to the state’s escalating political crisis, marked by deep divisions within its legislature.
The court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, dismissed the stay application filed by Rivers State’s legal representative, Gordy Uche (SAN), labelling it “frivolous, vexatious, unwarranted, and mischievous.
The case (CA/ABJ/CV/1197/2024) was brought by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, an ally of former Governor Nyesom Wike. Meanwhile, another faction, supportive of Governor Fubara, is led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.
Previously, the Amaewhule faction sought an injunction to prevent the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), commercial banks, and the Attorney General of the Federation from processing any financial directives issued by Governor Fubara. They claimed this action would prevent misuse of state resources.
On August 6, a faction led by Oko-Jumbo submitted a notice of change of counsel, asserting that Amaewhule’s faction was unauthorised to file the lawsuit after his seat was declared vacant in December 2023 due to defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The court dismissed this application, upholding Amaewhule’s status as the legitimate plaintiff.
During Friday’s hearing, Justice Abdulmalik denied an adjournment request from the defence team, including prominent lawyer Femi Falana, who cited a need to review new documents that had only been provided moments before the session.
The Rivers State Government initially contested holding the hearing in Abuja, a request which the court denied. In response, the state filed an appeal (CA/ABJ/CV/1197/2024) and sought to delay the High Court proceedings pending the outcome of this appeal, a request which has now also been denied.