The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a ruling that had blocked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing monthly statutory allocations to Rivers State.

In a split decision of 2-to-1, the three-member panel of justices ruled that the Federal High Court in Abuja lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case that led to the restraining order.

The panel, led by Justice Hamma Barka, argued that the involvement of federal agencies in the case was insufficient to grant the Federal High Court the authority to rule on the matter.

The case, which concerned the state’s budget appropriation, should have been heard in a more appropriate court, the Appeal Court ruled.

As a result, the Appeal Court dismissed six appeals filed by those challenging the lower court’s ruling, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State Government, who sought to nullify the high court’s orders.

However, Justice Adebukola Banjoko dissented, maintaining that the Federal High Court’s decision should stand.

The appeals, numbered CA/ABJ/CV/1277/24, CA/ABJ/CV/1196/24, CA/ABJ/CV/1287/24, CA/ABJ/CV/1293/24, and CA/ABJ/CV/1360/2024, were consolidated and heard by the appellate court.

Governor Fubara had previously requested the Appeal Court to annul the high court order issued by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on October 30, which had prohibited the CBN from allowing Rivers State to access its funds from the federal revenue account.

Fubara’s team, led by Mr. Yusuf Ali SAN, argued that the ruling was made in bad faith and should be nullified.

The original suit, filed by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Hon. Martins Amaewhule, called for the cessation of all federal monthly allocations to Rivers State.

The faction argued that Governor Fubara had failed to comply with a court order to present the 2024 state budget before them.

The Amaewhule faction, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, had previously urged the lower court to stop the funds until the issue was resolved.

The Rivers State government countered that the Amaewhule-led group had forfeited their legitimacy as lawmakers by defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Despite this, the high court ruled in favor of the Amaewhule faction, deeming them the legitimate representatives of the state’s assembly.

This decision was challenged and ultimately overturned by the Appeal Court.

In their application, the plaintiffs argued that the Governor’s actions, including unauthorized withdrawals from the state’s revenue, violated the Constitution.

They had sought the court’s intervention to ensure accountability and prevent further fiscal mismanagement.

The Appeal Court’s ruling restores the status quo, allowing the CBN to release the statutory allocations to the Rivers State government once again.

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have announced discussions for a potential merger aimed at addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues, including the decline of democracy, economic mismanagement, and rampant corruption.

The two parties unveiled their plans during a joint press briefing in Abuja on Friday, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Falalu Bello, National Chairman of the PRP, and Ralph Nwosu, National Chairman of the ADC, both stressed the urgency of creating a unified political force to confront Nigeria’s growing challenges.

They emphasized that the current state of democracy in the country, particularly following the controversial 2023 elections, calls for comprehensive electoral reforms to restore public trust.

The two leaders condemned the state of Nigeria’s democracy, citing concerns over the integrity of the 2023 general elections and ongoing local government elections.

They called for reforms to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, noting that the nation’s future depends on the restoration of electoral integrity.

On the economic front, the PRP and ADC leaders criticized the nation’s economic performance, with Nigeria’s GDP falling from $493 billion in 2015 to an estimated $352 billion in 2024.

They called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s economy, advocating for a move from a consumption-based economy to one focused on sustainable production, job creation, and educational reforms, particularly for the millions of out-of-school children in the country.

Corruption, they argued, remains a significant challenge, with instances such as budget padding in the National Assembly highlighting the deep-rooted nature of the issue.

Both parties called for more transparent governance, including the creation of an independent electoral commission and stronger anti-corruption measures.

They also emphasized the need for judicial reforms, which they said are crucial for holding political leaders accountable.

In his remarks, Dr. Falalu Bello stressed the importance of vigilance and commitment to ethical standards in safeguarding democracy.

He pointed to recent electoral events as evidence of the erosion of trust in the democratic process.

“The democracy we claim to champion is in trauma under the current administration. We must ensure that every citizen’s vote counts,” Bello said.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s potential for economic prosperity, stressing that the country’s rising unemployment and inflation, along with the exodus of both local and foreign investors, make urgent corrective measures essential.

“The government must create a fully independent and transparent electoral commission to combat electoral fraud and violence at all levels,” he said, adding that anti-corruption agencies need greater resources to function effectively.

Both parties also expressed their desire to unite with other political forces that share their vision for a better Nigeria.

They called on other political parties committed to democracy, economic prosperity, and integrity to join their alliance for the 2027 elections.

Their goal is not just to gain political power but to build a legacy that benefits all Nigerians, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious background.

Ralph Nwosu, National Chairman of the ADC, underscored the importance of creating a value-driven political movement.

“After 25 years of democracy, it’s time to build something that lasts. This merger is not about us; it’s about creating a political party that focuses on values and long-term goals, rather than being just a vehicle for elections,” Nwosu stated.

He called on Nigerians from all walks of life to join their cause, noting that the merger is about creating a just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.

“We aim to be a value-driven political force with clear economic policies and a firm commitment to democracy,” he added.

“Any politician who shares these values is welcome to join us in this journey.”

Hon. Toby Okechukwu, the former Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, has officially resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

In a resignation letter dated December 6, 2024, addressed to the Chairman of the Owelli/Amoli/Ugbo/Ogugu Ward in Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State, Okechukwu thanked the PDP for the platform it provided him to serve as a representative of the Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in the 7th, 8th, and 9th National Assembly.

The letter reads: “I hereby notify you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party and extend my sincere appreciation to the Party for affording me the opportunity to serve the people of Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in three terms.”

Okechukwu reflected on his significant contributions during his time in the legislature, including his leadership roles as Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Chairman of the Committee on Works, and Deputy Minority Leader.

He also highlighted his involvement in key infrastructure projects like the Second Niger Bridge, the Abuja-Kano Road, and the Lagos-Ibadan Road.

Additionally, he mentioned his role in advocating for the COREN Bill, which was signed into law to improve engineering standards in Nigeria.

“I remain hopeful that our collective efforts will continue to advance the welfare of our people,” Okechukwu concluded in the letter.

President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and others have been taken to court over the alleged unlawful removal of Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Two civil organizations, the Community Rescue Initiative and Toro Concerned Citizens, along with an Abuja-based law firm, have filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, claiming the removal process violated constitutional procedures.

They are seeking to stop the National Assembly’s resolution, which purportedly removed Umar, from being transmitted to President Tinubu for approval.

The plaintiffs argue that the procedure followed by the National Assembly was illegal, citing various sections of the 1999 Constitution and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.

They argue the removal was done without proper legal grounds and without substantiating allegations of misconduct against Umar.

The plaintiffs, represented by lawyers Mahmoud M. Maidoki, A.G. Salisu, Jibrin S. Jibrin Baq., and Abubakar S. Idris Bag, are requesting seven declarations, including a ruling that the removal was unconstitutional.

They also seek a court order halting the president from acting on the National Assembly’s decision and preventing the appointment of a new CCT chairman while Umar’s term is still valid.

The case, which is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1796/2024, has been assigned to Justice James Omotosho, who has directed that the legal processes be served through public notices, including postings at the APC Secretariat and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The court set a hearing date for January 14, 2025.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has rejected claims that it provided N325 million in funding to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State.

The denial follows a petition from the APC Women Leader in Adamawa, Patricia Yakubu, who alleged that the funds had been misappropriated.

In a statement issued by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, the Director of Public Affairs, TETFund dismissed the allegations as false and misleading.

The statement, titled “TETFund Not A Political Party Funder,” described the claims as the work of “desperate individuals” and emphasized that no such funding was provided.

The statement clarified that TETFund had been made aware of a letter purportedly written by Yakubu to the National Security Adviser, which included accusations that the APC received N325 million in funding from the Fund between October 2023 and October 2024. TETFund firmly denied these allegations, calling them “preposterous and totally false.”

To further dispel the allegations, TETFund stated that General Murtala Mohammed College (GMMC) in Yola, where the misappropriation was said to have occurred, is not a beneficiary institution of TETFund.

It added that the Federal College of Education (FCE) Yola, which is a beneficiary, is fully responsible for engaging contractors in accordance with TETFund’s policies.

The Fund also noted that such baseless allegations have become increasingly common but reiterated its commitment to its primary mission: funding the development and improvement of tertiary education in Nigeria.

TETFund urged those behind the accusations to verify their facts to avoid misleading the public.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has issued a stern warning to local government officials, cautioning them against violating the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy.

Speaking at a conference for judiciary correspondents in Abuja on Thursday, Fagbemi stressed that any attempt to interfere with local government funds would not be tolerated.

Fagbemi emphasized that governance at the grassroots level has long been neglected, but with the enforcement of the Supreme Court ruling, local governments are expected to thrive.

He stated, “The suffering at the grassroots has been enough. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to correcting the past injustices and positioning Nigeria among the top nations globally.”

He further pointed out that while state governors are protected by immunity, local government officials do not have such protections.

“Local government chairmen and councilors need to understand that if they misuse local government funds, they face imprisonment,” the AGF warned.

“They have a choice: either to misappropriate funds and risk jail, or contribute positively by improving their communities, such as building or upgrading roads, schools, and hospitals. The future of local governments is in their hands.”

In July, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of local government financial autonomy, prohibiting governors from controlling local government funds and ordering that allocations be paid directly to local government accounts.

This landmark decision aims to enhance local government autonomy across the country.