Following a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, the National Democratic and Change Coalition (NDCC) has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to refund funds allegedly spent without proper legislative approval. The ruling prohibits further fund disbursements to the Rivers State government due to reported breaches of constitutional protocol.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who presided over the case, ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation, among other entities, must halt disbursements to Rivers State accounts. The NDCC, in a statement from its president, John Uloko, commended the ruling, labeling it a “significant step” towards upholding democratic principles in the state.
The court's decision stemmed from Fubara’s submission of the 2024 budget to only four members of the 32-member Rivers State House of Assembly, an action the NDCC referred to as a "constitutional aberration." Praising the court’s stance, the NDCC described it as a reminder that the Nigerian Constitution must be respected, regardless of political circumstances.
“We commend Justice Abdulmalik’s decision to rule against Governor Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before an unconstitutional Assembly,” the NDCC statement read. “This ruling is a triumph for democracy and sets a standard against the misuse of power by governors.”
In light of the ruling, the NDCC urged Governor Fubara to reverse all actions taken under the "illegitimate" budget, including a potential refund of all state funds spent since January. The organization stressed that democratic processes and constitutional integrity must be upheld, especially in the face of any political pressures or missteps.
