Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will enforce the recent Supreme Court verdict addressing the state’s legislative and local government conflicts.
While expressing reservations about the ruling, he affirmed his commitment to upholding the law.
The Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered on February 28, 2025, by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, directed federal financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation, to withhold funds from the Rivers State Government.
The directive will remain in effect until an Appropriation Law is duly passed under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
Additionally, the court ordered the reinstatement of 27 state lawmakers who had been entangled in a legal dispute over their legislative positions.
Speaking during a televised address on Africa Independent Television (AIT) on March 2, 2025, Governor Fubara acknowledged the Supreme Court’s ruling and stated that his government would comply fully upon receiving the certified true copy of the judgment.
He reiterated that despite his personal reservations, adherence to the court’s decision remains a priority for his administration.
The governor also responded to the Supreme Court’s annulment of the October 5, 2024, local government elections, which the court ruled as a violation of the Electoral Act.
As an interim measure, Fubara instructed the administrative heads of local governments to take charge until fresh elections are conducted.
The political landscape in Rivers State has been fraught with tension, stemming from the rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The crisis escalated when 27 lawmakers, loyal to Wike, were accused of defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Although Fubara contested their legitimacy, the Supreme Court upheld their legislative positions, reinforcing the need to adhere to constitutional provisions.
The governor said: “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgment and pronouncement regarding the lingering political crisis in our dear state. Although we disagree with the judgment, we are bound to obey it as a law-abiding government.”
“We have conducted the affairs of our government within the framework of our constitution and the rule of law. While we are not above mistakes because we are human, we have not, as a government, trampled on the rule of law.”
“I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they assured me that the certified true copy of the judgment may be available to me on Friday.”
“I assure you that upon its receipt, we will implement the judgment without any reservation to move the state forward. I further direct that the head of administration should take over the conduct of local government affairs.”
