In a recent development at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik has reserved judgment in a case brought by the Rivers State House of Assembly and Martin Amaewhule. The lawsuit aims to halt fund allocation within Rivers State. After hearing arguments from all involved parties, the court decided to reserve judgment and will communicate a future date for the final decision.
The plaintiffs, represented by the Rivers House of Assembly and Mr. Martin Amaewhule, filed a suit against various entities including banks, government officials, and electoral commissions. The court previously rejected a request to halt proceedings while an appeal is pending. Additionally, there was a motion for Justice Abdulmalik to recuse herself from the case, which she denied, stating that there was no bias.
The lawsuit seeks to freeze funds allocated to the Rivers state government, with the plaintiffs requesting an injunction to prevent certain financial transactions. The Rivers Assembly, under Martin Amaewhule’s leadership, had previously suspended expenditures by Governor Fubara until he presented his budget to the house within a specified deadline. Consequently, the assembly decided to restrict any spending from the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Account related to Fubara’s administration.