The Court Should Clarify Whether Party Members Who Depart Can Rejoin Without Facing Consequences—Momodu

Dele Momodu, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has raised concerns following a ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to halt monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.

Momodu stated, “Although I’m not a legal expert, I have some questions. If a Federal High Court can stop a state’s statutory allocations for not adhering to proper procedures, can the courts also clarify whether legislators who left their political party can simply return to their former positions without facing consequences? Does the law allow any branch of government to grant leniency to those who have voluntarily disqualified themselves? I hope for a better future for Nigeria.

“Additionally, the presiding judge criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for presenting the 2024 budget to only four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, deeming this action a violation of constitutional requirements.

The judge also condemned Fubara’s acceptance and distribution of monthly allocations since January, labeling it a constitutional violation that must be addressed.