The Court of Appeal has ruled that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain a suit seeking to seize Rivers State’s allocation. The verdict was delivered on December 13, 2024, by Justice Barka, who stated that the Federal High Court overstepped its jurisdiction by interfering in matters of state appropriation.

Justice Barka clarified that the mere listing of federal agencies in the suit does not grant the Federal High Court unrestricted jurisdiction, emphasizing that state appropriation issues are internal affairs under the purview of state high courts.

Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition, commended the Appeal Court’s decision, describing it as a triumph for the rule of law and constitutional governance.

“This decision averts anarchy and constitutional disorder planned by the pro-Wike group,” Ugochinyere stated. He added that the state House of Assembly’s legitimacy is currently before the Supreme Court, due to alleged illegal defections of some lawmakers from the PDP to the APC.

According to Ugochinyere, the Supreme Court’s recognition of the four-member House of Assembly remains valid until elections are conducted to fill vacant seats. He emphasized that until the court resolves the issue of illegal decampment, the defecting lawmakers have no legal authority to legislate for the state.

Ugochinyere criticized the initial Federal High Court ruling, asserting that it undermined true federalism and attempted to impose political malice. “This is a huge setback for the pro-Wike group, who sought to weaponize the courts to further their agenda,” he remarked.

The Appeal Court’s ruling reinforces the principle that matters involving state appropriation are within the exclusive jurisdiction of state high courts, not federal courts. This judgment has been hailed as a victory for democracy and the sanctity of constitutional governance.