The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn as the Supreme Court reinforced financial restrictions on the state while also reviving the influence of a key political faction in the House of Assembly. The ruling, delivered on Friday, upheld an earlier Federal High Court decision barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from releasing statutory allocations to the state government.
In a move that could reshape the state’s political landscape, the court also ordered the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume legislative duties. This faction, widely seen as loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike, had been sidelined amid ongoing leadership disputes.
With legislative authority reinstated, Governor Siminalayi Fubara now faces a renewed challenge to his administration. Political analysts warn that this development increases the likelihood of impeachment proceedings against the governor, further destabilizing governance in the oil-rich state.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond political maneuvering. Freezing the state’s financial allocations raises concerns over government operations, public services, and economic activities. As Rivers State remains a crucial economic hub in Nigeria, the prolonged crisis could have ripple effects beyond its borders.
Amid growing tensions, stakeholders are calling for political reconciliation to prevent further disruption. However, with rival factions unwilling to back down, the battle for control over Rivers State appears far from over.
