Wike Hails Supreme Court Ruling on Rivers State House of Assembly Crisis, Says It Ends Impunity
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Supreme Court’s ruling on the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly has put an end to impunity in the oil-rich state, according to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who spoke to reporters on Friday.
The apex court’s ruling barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to Rivers State until it addresses the flagrant disobedience to court orders. The five-man panel unanimously dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cross-appeal, challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly presided over by Martin Amaewhule.
In addition, the Supreme Court nullified the recent local government elections in Rivers State, declaring them invalid for violating the Electoral Act.
Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and emphasized that the decision ensures that such impunity would not continue. He warned against allowing any individual to constitute an assembly, stating, “If you allow this, one day one member will constitute an assembly and there is nothing you can do.”
He also criticized the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, for supporting Governor Fubara. Wike stressed that the Rivers State Governor must fully comply with the Supreme Court’s verdict, as it is the final legal authority on the matter.
“This issue, which has lasted for over 15 months, has now been laid to rest by the highest court of the land. The only thing left is to appeal the judgment to God,” Wike stated. He also expressed satisfaction with the ruling, saying that it serves as a victory for both Rivers people and Nigerians, asserting that impunity must not be allowed to undermine the country’s democracy.
Wike concluded by stressing that the matter was not about the number of Senior Advocates of Nigeria involved, but about upholding the rule of law and having competent people to handle the case.
