Rivers Political Crisis Deepens as Stakeholders Accuse Fubara’s Team of Misinterpreting Supreme Court Ruling
The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as stakeholders under the umbrella of the Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) have accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration of deliberately misinterpreting the recent Supreme Court ruling to avoid implementing it. The allegations come amid a heated dispute over the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the enforcement of court judgments.
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The Core of the Dispute
The controversy stems from a Supreme Court ruling on Monday, which dismissed an appeal related to the legitimacy of the 2024 budget passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly. The RRM, in a statement signed by its Director-General, Johnson Georgewill, and Secretary, Mrs. Sarima Akpata, accused Governor Fubara’s team of twisting the court’s decision to suit their agenda.
The RRM argued that the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the appeal effectively validated earlier judgments by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, which declared the 2024 budget illegal. According to the group, these rulings affirmed Martins Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and nullified the actions of the Oko Jumbo-led faction, which they claim “does not exist in law.”
RRM’s Allegations
The RRM’s statement was scathing in its criticism of Governor Fubara’s administration. Key allegations include:
Deliberate Misinterpretation: The group accused the governor’s team of misleading the public by misrepresenting the Supreme Court’s ruling. They described this as “vexatious, misleading, and infuriating.”
Disobedience of Court Orders: The RRM claimed that the governor’s appointees were disregarding valid court judgments, particularly the Court of Appeal’s ruling that recognized Amaewhule as Speaker.
Illegal Appointments: The group expressed concern over the appointment of members to the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission by the Oko Jumbo-led faction, which they insist has no legal standing.
Call for Enforcement: The RRM urged the Inspector-General of Police to enforce the Court of Appeal’s judgment and arrest those disobeying it. They also called on President Bola Tinubu, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and the international community to intervene and “defend democracy.”
Government’s Response
In a swift rebuttal, the Rivers State Government denied the allegations, insisting that the Supreme Court’s ruling did not reinstate Martins Amaewhule as Speaker. The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Israel Iboroma, SAN, clarified the details of the case, stating that the appeal dismissed by the Supreme Court was related to the 2024 budget, which he described as “academic and of no utilitarian value” since the funds had already been spent.
Iboroma emphasized that the Supreme Court made no order reinstating Amaewhule and 26 others as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He accused Amaewhule and his lawyers of spreading “false narrative and propaganda” about the ruling.
Key Facts and Context
Defection Controversy: Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023, a move that sparked legal battles over their legitimacy as members of the House of Assembly.
Judicial History: The Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal had previously ruled on the matter, with the latter declaring the 2024 budget illegal and recognizing Amaewhule as Speaker.
Supreme Court Ruling: The apex court dismissed the appeal related to the 2024 budget, but it did not address the status of Amaewhule and the defected lawmakers.
Political Implications: The crisis reflects the broader power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A Critical Perspective
The ongoing crisis in Rivers State highlights the fragility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the ease with which political actors manipulate legal processes to achieve their goals. The RRM’s allegations, if proven true, raise serious concerns about the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
Governor Fubara’s administration, on the other hand, faces the challenge of maintaining legitimacy amid accusations of disregarding court orders. The government’s insistence that the Supreme Court ruling did not reinstate Amaewhule may be legally accurate, but it does little to address the underlying political tensions.
The Bigger Picture
The Rivers State crisis is not an isolated incident but a symptom of the broader political dysfunction in Nigeria. The frequent defection of lawmakers, the manipulation of judicial processes, and the disregard for court orders undermine public trust in democracy and the rule of law.
As the situation unfolds, the following questions remain unanswered:
Will the Inspector-General of Police enforce the Court of Appeal’s judgment, as demanded by the RRM?
How will Governor Fubara navigate the political minefield created by his predecessor’s influence?
What role will the federal government and the international community play in resolving the crisis?
The political drama in Rivers State is far from over. The allegations of misinterpretation and disobedience of court orders have further polarized the state, leaving residents caught in the crossfire. For now, the hope is that cooler heads will prevail, and a resolution will be found that prioritizes the rule of law and the interests of the people. Until then, Rivers State remains a battleground for political supremacy, with democracy paying the price.
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