“Upon Receipt of Certified Judgments, We Shall Implement Them Without Reservation” – Gov. Fubara
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reassured the people of the oil-rich state that his administration will implement the Supreme Court’s verdict after thoroughly reviewing its Certified True Copy (CTC).
This assurance follows the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday, which declared the local government elections conducted in the state on October 5, 2024, as invalid.
In a statewide broadcast on Sunday, Fubara disclosed that he had met with his legal team, who expect to obtain the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025. He emphasized his administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding constitutional principles and ensuring due process is followed.
HLGAs Take Over Local Government Councils
Following the nullification of the elections, the governor directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to immediately assume control of the 23 local government councils across the state. He stated that civil servants would oversee the councils’ affairs until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
He also instructed outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision.
Call for Calm Amid Political Uncertainty
As political tensions continue to rise in the state, Fubara urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding. He reassured them that his administration remains dedicated to good governance and the rule of law, despite the challenging circumstances.
Supreme Court Bars Fund Release to Rivers Government
In a separate ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other federal agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State government. The court cited the state’s failure to comply with previous court orders as the reason for its decision.
Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, who delivered the judgment, stated that the government must first purge itself of what the court described as “flagrant disobedience” to judicial orders before accessing its financial allocations.
Fubara’s Appeal Dismissed, Assembly Ordered to Resume Sitting
The Supreme Court also dismissed Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The five-member panel ruled that Amaewhule and other elected lawmakers must immediately resume legislative duties.
Governor Fubara Reaffirms Commitment to Governance
Despite the setbacks, Fubara assured the people of Rivers State that his government would continue to function within the bounds of the law. He reiterated that, upon receiving the CTC of the Supreme Court’s judgment, his administration would study its ramifications and implement the verdict accordingly.
“We shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the state forward,” he said.
Fubara concluded by calling on the people to remain peaceful as his administration navigates the legal and political challenges facing the state.
