The National Democratic and Change Coalition (NDCC) has urged Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to return all funds allegedly spent without proper legislative appropriation, following a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja.
This call comes after Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that Governor Fubara’s submission of the 2024 budget to a four-member House of Assembly violated the constitution. The court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and Rivers State’s accounts at Zenith Bank and Access Bank from releasing additional funds to the state until the issue was resolved.
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In a statement signed by NDCC President, John Uloko Esq, the Coalition commended Justice Abdulmalik’s ruling, describing it as a victory for democracy. “This judgment reaffirms the importance of constitutional governance,” the statement read, asserting that Fubara’s actions with a reduced Assembly of four members were “a constitutional aberration” that contradicted the democratic process meant to be upheld by a 32-member Assembly.
The NDCC further criticized what it described as “political desperation” in Rivers State, urging the Governor to respect the court’s decision and “refund all funds that were unlawfully spent from January 2024 to date.” It also advised that the state’s budget be resubmitted to a duly constituted House of Assembly, to ensure proper legislative oversight.
Concluding the statement, the NDCC called on Governor Fubara to “cease unnecessary political squabbles and allow Rivers State to function without further disruptions,” stressing that governance should be prioritized over any political conflicts.
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