The Abuja Federal High Court’s order restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from providing funds to Rivers sparked a fierce backlash, with Atiku in particular expressing deep concern over what he termed “federal interference” in national affairs.
The injunction, issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, prevents the state from receiving allocations until a properly constituted Rivers State House of Assembly passes an “appropriation bill.”
Martins Amayefure’s faction in the state legislature has filed a lawsuit questioning the legitimacy of the budget submitted by Governor Siminalai Hubala to the five-member assembly.
Mr. Atiku, through his media advisor Mr. Paul Ibe, argued that the decision to grant the injunction pending Mr. Rivers’ appeal was problematic.
“The actions of the judiciary could destabilize Rivers State,” Atiku warned, adding that “elements loyal to the federal government are pulling the strings from behind."
He further questioned the timing of the judgment, noting that the Rivers State government had already filed a notice of appeal to take the matter to the Supreme Court.
Atiku’s statement cited an earlier warning by SAN’s senior lawyer, Femi Falana, who had warned of the possibility of judicial compromise involving gifts allegedly given to judges, and said the court should not take these concerns into account. criticized for dismissing it.
“Mr Falana’s warnings were ignored,” the statement said, with Atiku stressing that these developments pose a serious threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s judiciary and the country’s autonomy.
