Fubara Pledges to Implement Supreme Court Judgment in Rivers
● Tonye Okurumo
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents of his commitment to implementing the recent Supreme Court judgment that nullified local government elections, upheld the leadership of the state assembly, and directed a review of the state’s budget. The apex court delivered its ruling on February 28, 2025, prompting a swift response from the governor, who addressed the state in a broadcast on March 2.
In his address, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s respect for the rule of law and promised to abide by the court’s directives. “As a government that upholds the sanctity of the judiciary, we shall implement the judgment of the Supreme Court without reservations,” he stated. He urged citizens to remain calm, emphasizing that his priority was to ensure governance continued without disruption.
One of the key rulings of the court was the nullification of the October 5, 2024, local government elections, which rendered the tenure of 23 local government chairmen and 319 councillors invalid. In response, Governor Fubara directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume control of the councils pending the conduct of fresh elections. “I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to take charge of the affairs of the councils immediately,” he ordered. He also instructed outgoing chairmen to hand over to the Heads of Personnel Management by Monday, March 3, 2025.
The Supreme Court also ruled in favor of Martins Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, recognizing him and 26 other lawmakers as legitimate members. This ruling settles the prolonged leadership tussle within the assembly, which had created legislative uncertainty in the state. The judgment further declared the state budget invalid and directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation to halt disbursement of funds to Rivers State until a fresh budget is re-presented before the recognized assembly.
Acknowledging the financial implications of the ruling, Governor Fubara assured that his administration would review the details before taking further action. “We will carefully study the certified true copies of the judgment once received and act accordingly to ensure the smooth running of government activities,” he noted. He called on all stakeholders to cooperate with the government to prevent any disruption in governance.
Governor Fubara reassured residents that the government remained focused on delivering dividends of democracy despite the legal challenges. He urged citizens to continue their daily activities peacefully while his administration worked towards a resolution. “Our commitment to the progress of Rivers State remains unwavering. Let us stay united as we navigate this phase,” he appealed. The governor’s statement signals his administration’s readiness to comply with the court’s directives while maintaining stability in the state. GMTNewsng
