BREAKING; Supreme Court orders CBN, AGF to freeze financial allocations to Rivers govt
BREAKING; Supreme Court orders CBN, AGF to freeze financial allocations to Rivers govt
In a ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court of Nigeria instructed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to halt any further financial allocations to the Rivers State Government, effective immediately.
The court’s decision came after it found that the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had engaged in a series of illegal and unconstitutional actions. The order will remain in place until the Governor halts these activities, particularly those that have undermined the integrity of the state’s legislative processes.
The Apex Court emphasized that no further funds should be allocated to the state government until a legitimate Appropriation Law is passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule.
This legislation is considered essential for restoring proper governance and financial oversight.
Delivering the unanimous judgment, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim criticized Governor Fubara for his actions, which included the unlawful demolition of the state’s House of Assembly to prevent elected lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties.
The Court stated that this act of aggression, along with other unlawful measures, was a direct affront to the rule of law.
In addition, the five-member panel of Justices, led by Justice Musa Uwani Aba-Aji, ordered the immediate reinstatement of the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who had been sidelined by Fubara’s administration. The Court further directed that the Clerk and Deputy Clerk, who were unjustly removed, must be allowed to resume their duties along with other assembly staff.
The Justices lambasted Fubara for operating with just four of the 32 assembly members, citing baseless fears that his impeachment was imminent. They described this situation as a constitutional distortion, enabled by his misuse of immunity under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.
The Supreme Court’s ruling also upheld previous decisions by the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal, both of which declared Fubara’s actions unlawful.
Notably, the Federal High Court had ruled that the Governor’s handling of monthly financial allocations, as well as the presentation of the 2024 budget to a truncated House of Assembly, was a direct violation of constitutional principles.
As part of the ruling, Governor Fubara has been fined N10 million, to be paid to the 27 lawmakers who challenged his conduct.
The Court held that Fubara’s failure to follow constitutional processes, including enacting a valid budget, amounted to a severe breach of public trust and governance norms.
The Sultan made the announcement in a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Friday, confirming the sighting of the new crescent of Ramadan in various parts of the country.
He stated that reports of the moon sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across Nigeria.
“After due verification and authentication by the National Moon Sighting Committee, as well as confirmations from state committees, the new moon of Ramadan was officially recognised, marking the end of Sha’aban 1446 AH.
“In accordance with Islamic law, Muslims are to commence fasting on Saturday, March 1,” the Sultan declared.
He urged Muslim faithful to dedicate themselves to the worship of Allah (SWT) throughout the holy month and to use this period to pray for prevailing peace across the country and also pray for the leaders.
Additionally, the Sultan encouraged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged, emphasising the importance of religious tolerance and unity among Nigerians.
He prayed to the Almighty to strengthen the leaders in their commitment to leading the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, refers to abstinent from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset with the intention of worshiping Almighty Allah.
NAN also reports that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred period during which adult Muslims observe compulsory fasting from dawn to sunset for a complete month. (NAN)
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Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Atiku tells President Tinubu how to handle sexual harassment allegations against Senate President
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the claims of sexual harassment, intimidation, and maltreatment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, he said the allegations are grave and deserve to be investigated.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections affirmed that the Nigerian Senate represents the voice of the people.
“Those who serve in it — especially its leadership — must uphold the highest standards of integrity, dignity, and respect, both for their office and for the Nigerian citizens they serve,” he said.
Atiku noted that as the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility.
“As the chief presiding officer of the Upper Chamber, the Senate President has a duty to champion the protection and empowerment of Nigerian women through legislation — not to be the subject of allegations that undermine those very principles,” Atiku stated.
He admonished that the handling of this matter will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“I urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate itself to take these allegations seriously by ensuring a credible, transparent, and independent investigation.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“This moment demands careful and principled action to uphold the integrity of our institutions and ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of gender, is treated with dignity and respect,” Atiku concluded.
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Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Akpabio’s Wife reacts to s3xual harassment allegations against husband by Senator Natasha
Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, The wife of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, has strongly refuted the sexual harassment allegations made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), describing them as entirely false and unfounded.
In a statement to journalists on Friday, Mrs. Akpabio defended her husband’s character, describing him as a disciplined and respectful individual, known for his good humor and deep respect for women.
She stressed that the allegations were baseless and did not reflect the true nature of her husband, asserting that they were a misrepresentation of the man she knows.
The allegations were initially raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who claimed that her challenges in the Senate began after she turned down inappropriate advances from Senator Akpabio.
Mrs. Akpabio quickly dismissed these accusations, emphasizing the longstanding cordial relationship between both families. She firmly rejected the notion that any such incident took place, asserting that it was merely a product of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s imagination.
Recalling the events of December 8, 2023—the date the alleged incident supposedly occurred—Mrs. Akpabio pointed out that she had been present at their family residence on that day. She also stressed the enduring relationship between their families, which had existed long before Natasha’s marriage, further underlining the improbability of the allegations.
Moreover, Mrs. Akpabio praised her husband’s track record in championing women’s participation in governance, citing his unwavering support for female inclusion long before he became Senate President.
In a stern message, she urged women to avoid making unfounded accusations and vowed to pursue legal action to address the matter.