Forty-eight hours after the Supreme Court delivered two landmark judgments affecting the governance of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared his intention to fully comply with the court’s decisions.
In a statewide broadcast on Sunday, Fubara announced that he expects to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgments by Friday, March 7, 2025, after which his administration will implement the rulings without hesitation.
Key Supreme Court Rulings Affecting Rivers State
The Supreme Court issued two major judgments on Friday:
- Recognition of the Martins Amaewhule-led 26-member House of Assembly, as ruled by Justice Akomaye Agim.
- Nullification of the October 5, 2024, local government elections that produced 23 chairmen and 319 councillors, as ruled by Justice Jamilu Tukur.
Additionally, the court invalidated the Rivers State budget and directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation to halt fund disbursement to the state until Fubara re-presents the budget to the authentic House of Assembly led by Speaker Amaewhule.
Fubara Orders Local Government Chairmen to Step Down
Following the Supreme Court's ruling, Fubara ordered the 23 local government chairmen to vacate their offices by Monday, March 3, 2025, and hand over power to heads of personnel management pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
"Given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the heads of personnel management to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils," Fubara stated.
Despite expressing disagreement with the judgments, Fubara emphasized his administration’s commitment to due process, constitutional governance, and the rule of law.
“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.”
Rivers Elders Call for Peace and Unity
In response to the ongoing political crisis, the Rivers State Elders Council (RSEC) urged Governor Fubara and Speaker Amaewhule to set aside differences and work together in the best interest of the state.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, the council emphasized that both leaders belong to the same political family and should use this opportunity to restore peace.
“Now that the Supreme Court has spoken unequivocally on all matters, we strongly believe that nothing should stand in the way of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Speaker Martin Amaewhule working together in the best interest of Rivers State.”
The elders further commended Rivers residents for their patience and resilience throughout the political crisis and called on the governor and lawmakers to fulfill their constitutional duties to ensure stability in the state.
What’s Next for Rivers State?
With the local government chairmen vacating their offices and the state budget halted, Fubara’s administration faces the challenge of navigating a political landscape that is still unfolding. How he manages relations with Speaker Amaewhule’s Assembly and the Supreme Court directives will determine the next phase of governance in Rivers State.
