Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the citizens of the oil-rich state that his administration will adhere to the Supreme Court’s ruling after thoroughly examining its Certified True Copy (CTC).
This assurance follows the apex court’s judgment on Friday, which deemed the local government election held in the state on October 5, 2023, as invalid.
In a state address on Sunday, Fubara announced that he has consulted with his legal team, who anticipate receiving the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025.
He reiterated his government’s dedication to upholding constitutional values and pledged to act in accordance with legal requirements.
In light of the Supreme Court’s decision that annulled the October 5, 2023, local government elections, the governor has instructed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume immediate control of the 23 local government councils throughout the state.
Fubara indicated that civil servants would manage the councils until the State Electoral Commission conducts new elections.
He also directed the outgoing chairpersons to officially transfer authority to the HLGAs by Monday.
Amid the prevailing political uncertainties, the governor called on residents to remain composed and assured them of his administration’s commitment to governance and adherence to due process.
In a separate ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from disbursing funds to the Rivers State government until it rectifies what the court termed as blatant disobedience to court orders.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, saw the five-member panel unanimously reject the cross-appeal filed by Fubara, which contested the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule as Speaker.
In dismissing Fubara’s appeal, the court mandated Martin Amaewhule to resume his duties immediately alongside other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Read Full Speech Of Fubara’s Broadcast Below:
STATEWIDE BROADCAST BY THE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA, GSSRS, ON SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025, ON THE RECENT JUDGMENTS OF THE SUPREME COURT.
- My dear people of Rivers State, we are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State.
- Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.
- Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.
- While we are not above mistakes because we are humans, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.
- Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgments may be available to them by Friday, 7th March, 2025.
- I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgments, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the State forward.
- Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
- I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March 2025.
- Although our dear State seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens.
- Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.
