A recent ruling by Justice Abdulmalik Joyce of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which mandated the seizure of statutory money allotted to the Rivers State Government, was addressed by Chidi Lloyd, the former chairman of Emohua LGA. Lloyd backed the ruling, stating that it was consistent with a previous Supreme Court order concerning Lagos State.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
In a video shared by Arise TV, Lloyd said in the case between Lagos State and the Attorney General of the Federation, Supreme Court stated that the president couldn’t withhold funds meant for Lagos. Lloyd explained that, in his view, people are misunderstanding this decision by comparing it to the Rivers State situation. He said the Supreme Court judgment was meant to prevent “executive rascality,” something he feels the Rivers State government is currently practicing.
Lloyd also said that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has “trampled on the constitution”, which he thinks is harming the state. He emphasized the importance of understanding both the law and the specific facts of each case.
In Lloyd’s words: “What offense did the honourable Justice Abdulmalik commit? Her judgement is in tandem with the judgement of the Supreme Court in the government of Lagos State against the Attorney General of the Federation, wherein it was said that the president had no right to withhold monies due Lagos. But people confuse it with the situation in Rivers State.
“What that judgment of Supreme Court in Lagos State matter meant was to curtail executive rascality such as the one being freely executed by the government of Rivers State. So people tend to confuse law and facts. Supreme Court said you cannot withhold funds meant for the people (States) but the fact of this is that Fubara has trampled on the constitution”.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
