Rivers Citizens Challenge Senate’s Budget and Appointment Approvals in Court
Rivers State indigenes have filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the Nigerian Senate’s approval of the state’s budget and key appointments. The legal challenge directly targets recent legislative decisions affecting the oil-rich state.
The plaintiffs argue that emergency rule imposed on Rivers State lacks proper legal foundation. They claim the National Assembly’s subsequent approvals of budgetary allocations and official appointments violate constitutional procedures.
According to court documents, the citizens contend that senators acted beyond their constitutional authority when approving these measures. The emergency provisions allegedly used to justify the interventions do not meet legal requirements under Nigerian law.
The case highlights growing tensions between federal and state authorities in Rivers State. Local residents appear increasingly concerned about federal government interference in state-level governance matters.
Rivers State has experienced significant political turbulence in recent months. The dispute centers on whether federal lawmakers can legally override state legislative processes during proclaimed emergencies.
The plaintiffs seek immediate court intervention to reverse all Senate approvals related to Rivers State’s budget and appointments. They want the court to declare the emergency rule unconstitutional and restore normal legislative procedures.
Legal experts suggest the case could set important precedents for federal-state relations in Nigeria. The outcome may determine how emergency powers can be applied to state governments in future political crises.
The matter remains pending before the court system.
