Rivers Group Sues Tinubu, FG, CBN Over Disbursement Of Rivers State Funds To Sole Administrator; Cites Supreme Court Order Violation

The suit names President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Accountant General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, as defendants.

Represented by Clifford N. Chuku Esq., the claimant is challenging the constitutionality of the release of Rivers State funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without compliance with constitutional provisions and an existing Supreme Court ruling.

The suit contends that the defendants violated Section 120, 121, and 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and an order from the Supreme Court in Rivers State House of Assembly v. Government of Rivers State (2025) LPELR-80539(SC). The claimants argue that the President, the Attorney General, the Accountant General, and the CBN are legally bound by the Supreme Court’s order, which prohibits the release of funds to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State until the state budget is presented to the House of Assembly.

According to the claimants, the federal authorities, by directing the release of funds, have acted in defiance of the Supreme Court’s authority, thereby violating the constitutional framework for state financial management.

In addition to the injunctions and mandatory orders being sought, the claimants request several declarations:

Declaration: That the President, Attorney General, Accountant General, and CBN are bound by the Supreme Court’s order and cannot release or pay Rivers State funds without compliance with the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s decision.

Declaration: That the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, is prohibited from appropriating or expending Rivers State funds without complying with constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court’s order.

Injunction: To restrain the defendants from releasing, paying, appropriating, or expending funds belonging to Rivers State from the Consolidated Revenue Fund unless in strict adherence to the Constitution and the Supreme Court order.

Disclosure and Refund: An order requiring the CBN and the Accountant General of the Federation to provide a full disclosure of all monies belonging to Rivers State that were released, appropriated, or expended after March 18, 2025, without compliance with the Supreme Court order. Additionally, the claimants seek a mandatory injunction directing the return of any such funds.

This legal challenge comes amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, particularly regarding the authority of the state government and the role of the Sole Administrator. Lawyers believe this case could set a precedent in terms of the checks and balances on the powers of the federal government in managing state finances.

The claimants are also calling for stronger adherence to judicial orders in state and federal governance, emphasizing the importance of constitutional and legal processes in managing public resources.

The defendants have been given 30 days from the service of the summons to respond to the originating summons filed by the claimants. Should they fail to respond within the stipulated period, the court may proceed with further legal action.

The claimants are represented by Clifford N. Chuku Esq. of Clifford & Clifford Esquires.