In a recent update on Rivers State’s federal allocations, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) promised that payments would continue as normal while pending judicial appeals. The Nation reports that this guarantee follows a Federal High Court decision that cast doubt on the validity of the state’s 2024 budget and legislative procedure.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Bawa Mokwa, the OAGF’s Director of Press and Public Relations, emphasized that the federal government will respect court orders.
He clarified, “As long as there is a notice of appeal, the previous court ruling does not affect the state’s allocations. Rivers will continue to receive its payments.”
The legal dispute began following a ruling on October 30, when Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to halt Rivers’ monthly federal allocations.
The ruling stemmed from a case involving the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which argued that the 2024 budget, passed by a faction of the assembly, was unconstitutional.
Justice Abdulmalik described the actions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his administration as a violation of constitutional provisions, particularly Sections 91 and 96 of the 1999 Constitution.
In response, the Rivers State Government filed a notice of appeal, with the state’s Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, expressing confidence that the decision would be reversed.
The OAGF’s latest statement ensures that Rivers State will continue to receive its federal allocations until the Court of Appeal delivers a final ruling.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
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