The Rivers State Government will keep getting its federal funds, even though there are legal disagreements over its financial entitlements.
Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), told The Punch that they must follow what the court says.
“Since there’s an appeal, it means the earlier court decision doesn’t count anymore,” Mokwa explained. “As long as the appeal is there, Rivers will keep getting its allocation.”
This comes after a Federal High Court ruling on October 30 directing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold further monthly allocations to the state. The court also said that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s 2024 budget plan, which he presented to a four-person House of Assembly, was unconstitutional.
The Rivers State government has appealed the decision, and allocation will continue while appeal is pending.