Supreme Court Halts Rivers Allocations, Reinstates Amaewhule-Led Assembly in Landmark Ruling


In a landmark decision on Friday, February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirmed the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The apex court also issued an order restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from disbursing further budgetary allocations to Rivers State until a valid Appropriation Act is enacted by the duly constituted Assembly. 

The five-member panel, presided over by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, delivered a unanimous judgment read by Justice Emmanuel Agim. The court condemned Governor Siminalayi Fubara's actions, including the demolition of the House of Assembly complex, which were purportedly aimed at preventing the 27 legislators from performing their legislative duties. Justice Agim emphasized that Governor Fubara's conduct undermined the rule of law and the state's governance structure. 

Additionally, the Supreme Court mandated that all members of the House of Assembly, including those alleged to have defected, resume their legislative functions without hindrance. The court nullified all actions previously taken by Governor Fubara deemed unlawful and imposed a fine of N10 million on him, payable to the House of Assembly and the 27 legislators who initiated the suit. 

This ruling upholds earlier decisions by both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which had recognized the Amaewhule-led Assembly as the legitimate legislative body of Rivers State. The Supreme Court's decision aims to restore constitutional order and ensure that legislative processes in the state adhere to the rule of law. 

However, it's noteworthy that earlier in February 2025, the Rivers State Government, through Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Dagogo Israel Iboroma, stated that the Supreme Court had not issued any order reinstating Martin Amaewhule and the 26 other lawmakers. Iboroma emphasized that the court's judgment primarily addressed the 2024 Appropriation Law and did not pertain to the lawmakers' reinstatement. 

This development highlights the ongoing political and legal complexities in Rivers State, underscoring the judiciary's role in resolving such disputes and maintaining constitutional governance.


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