ALLOCATIONS BAN: “This judgment is not enforceable; let this be very clear to Wike and his group” – Federal Lawmaker
*Calls judgment an overreach by Tinubu’s government *Urges CJN to intervene in power play manipulating judicial process
By KEMI KASUMU
Ugochinyere argued that the federal government lacks the constitutional power to control or seize resources belonging to a state government.
House of Representatives member, Ikenga Ugochinyere, has expressed strong opposition to Wednesday’s Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to halt federal fund allocations to Rivers State.
In a video shared by AIT, Ugochinyere expressed concern over the decision, urging the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) to intervene in what he sees as an overreach by the Federal Government.
Ugochinyere argued that the federal government lacks the constitutional power to control or seize resources belonging to a state government.
He firmly believes that the court’s judgment will not hold, as it has already been appealed.
His comments also included a message directed at the former governor, Nyesom Wike, and his allies, implying that this matter is far from being resolved and will face legal hurdles at the Supreme Court.
The lawmaker encouraged Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to continue the current approach of governance, specifically advising him to prepare the state’s 2025 budget for presentation before the State House of Assembly.
Ugochinyere emphasized that any actions related to legislative changes in Rivers should follow due process, highlighting the importance of adhering to the assembly’s structure until a final decision is made by the Supreme Court.
He also pointed out that the matter of legislative seats previously declared vacant following lawmakers’ defections remains unresolved.
According to Ugochinyere, the Supreme Court must still address issues surrounding the legitimacy of these lawmakers before any definitive changes are implemented within the State Assembly.
Ugochinyere reiterated the importance of respecting an existing legal order that recognizes the authority of the former Speaker, Oko-Jumbo, under whom certain legislative seats were declared vacant.
He argued that this order continues to uphold the legitimacy of the current assembly members and processes, granting them the authority to operate as they have been.
He maintains that, until the Supreme Court provides a final judgment, the present legislative structure and the state’s independence in managing its resources must be respected.
According to him, “This judgment is not enforceable; it will not stand; it has already been appealed. Let this be very clear to Wike and his group.”
Watch the video by clicking HERE
