Atiku questioned the judge’s decision to issue an injunction while Rivers state’s legal challenge was still underway at the Supreme Court
By Kehinde Okeowo
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar on Wednesday berated an Abuja court for stopping Rivers State’s federal allocation.
He made his feelings known via a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe.
TheNiche had earlier reported that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.
The presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik cited a violation of the 1999 Constitution regarding the presentation of the 2024 budget before a four-member Rivers State House of Assembly.
She also said the disbursement of monthly allocations by Governor Fubara since January of this year constituted a breach of the Constitution
She proceeded to restrain the CBN, Accountant-General of the Federation, Zenith Bank and Access Bank from further allowing Fubara access to money from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.
Atiku, while reacting to the verdict on the suit filed by the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, warned that the judiciary’s action could “destabilise” Rivers State.
ALSO READ: Fubara heads to Appeal Court to stop verdict halting Rivers’ allocations
The former Vice president went on to say it was appalling that elements loyal to the federal government were pulling strings from behind.
He questioned Abdulmalik’s decision to issue an injunction while Rivers state’s legal challenge was still underway at the Supreme Court.
“Last week the Court of Appeal declared that the Rivers State budget was illegal because it was passed by an inchoate assembly.
“The court ordered Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the budget afresh — the Rivers State Government has already filed a notice of appeal so that the Supreme Court can hear the matter.
“However, some elements in the Bola Tinubu administration have procured a judgement intended to undermine the Supreme Court.
“Even before the judgment was delivered, legal luminary, Femi Falana (SAN) had alerted the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho of possible compromise after house gifts had been presented to judges in Abuja. Sadly, Falana’s warning was ignored,” the statement read.