Senator Adolphus Wabara, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced his disappointment regarding the recent ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja that ordered the freezing of statutory allocations to the Rivers State Government.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Abuja Federal High Court determined that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member Rivers House of Assembly violated Constitutional provisions.
She condemned Fubara’s ongoing receipt and use of monthly federal allocations since January as a violation of the Constitution that could not be overlooked. Additionally, she ruled that implementing an unauthorized budget constituted a serious breach of the 1999 Constitution.
In an interview with Vanguard, Wabara criticized the ruling as an example of judicial insensitivity and a provocation of anarchy, stating that the judiciary has failed Nigeria. He recalled advising President Bola Tinubu about intervening in the political crisis in Rivers State, warning that if left unchecked, it could threaten the entire nation.
Wabara emphasized that the funds allocated to Rivers State are intended for its development, not for the personal use of Governor Fubara. He expressed concern that the court’s decision could push youths in the state to return to unrest in response to the ruling.
He stated, “If it weren’t for these deliberate orders and judgments, INEC would have conducted an election to replace the 27 lawmakers who have constitutionally lost their seats. These judges have lost their way. Nigeria is on the brink! The judiciary has failed this country.”
Wabara further questioned, “Can these judges issue an order to stop allocations meant for the judiciary?” He reiterated his earlier warning to President Tinubu to intervene and prevent further turmoil in Rivers State, noting that the situation poses a risk to national stability.
He pointed out that the allocations are vital for the state’s development, stating that halting them would disrupt payment to workers and governmental operations. He added, “Did the judge consider the impact this would have on peace and security in the state? I’m not a lawyer, but I believe that judgments should be based on logic, rather than being arbitrary.”
Wabara lamented, “This ruling will cripple Rivers State and could lead to chaos, as people may feel driven back to the creeks. Stopping these funds jeopardizes the revenue that Nigeria relies on each month. Why take such a risk?”
He concluded with a heartfelt expression of sorrow for the state of the country, stating, “This is not the democracy we hoped for. The Chief Justice of Nigeria should take stronger measures to hold judges accountable. If she recently admonished them and we are still seeing these rulings, then it seems there is little hope for the country.”
