Rivers State Governor Fubara to Implement Supreme Court Ruling, Orders Fresh Local Government Elections
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to implement the Supreme Court ruling that nullified the local government elections conducted in October 2024. However, despite his commitment to enforcing the judgment, the governor expressed his administration’s strong disagreement with the verdict.
Governor Fubara’s Response to Supreme Court Ruling
In a statewide broadcast on Sunday, Governor Fubara acknowledged the Supreme Court’s decision, emphasizing his administration’s respect for the rule of law.
“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government,” the governor stated.
Fubara reaffirmed that since assuming office, his administration has adhered strictly to constitutional governance, due process, and the principles of the rule of law. He insisted that his government had not deliberately undermined legal frameworks but acknowledged that mistakes might have occurred.
Implementation Strategy and Local Government Transition
The governor directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume control of the 23 local government councils in the state following the Supreme Court’s ruling. This decision aligns with the prohibition of caretaker committees 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,” Fubara declared.
He further instructed outgoing local government chairmen to formally transfer power to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025, assuring residents that the transition process would be smooth. The governor called for calm and urged citizens to continue their daily activities as the state government works to resolve the situation.
Legal and Political Implications
The Supreme Court’s decision has far-reaching consequences for the state’s political landscape. On Friday, the court issued an order restricting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other government agencies from disbursing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with previous court orders.
A five-member panel, led by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, ruled unanimously that Rivers State must adhere to judicial directives before accessing federal allocations. This ruling underscores the judiciary’s increasing scrutiny of the state government’s legal compliance.
Legislative Crisis and the Supreme Court’s Verdict
In a separate but related ruling, the Supreme Court dismissed a cross-appeal filed by Governor Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The court ruled against the governor, affirming the authority of Amaewhule and other elected lawmakers, instructing them to resume their legislative functions immediately.
The apex court strongly criticized Governor Fubara for sidelining the legislative body, particularly in his presentation of the state’s budget. It condemned his submission of the 2024 appropriation bill before a four-member assembly, calling it a direct violation of a prior judicial order. The court further denounced the alleged defection of 28 lawmakers, characterizing the governor’s actions as an authoritarian maneuver to stifle the assembly.
Condemnation of Executive Overreach
The Supreme Court did not stop at electoral and legislative matters; it also condemned the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex. The court described the move as an abuse of executive power designed to weaken the legislative arm of government, a verdict that further intensifies the state’s political crisis.
Nullification of Local Government Elections
The Supreme Court’s ruling also invalidated the local government elections conducted on October 5, 2024. Justice Jamilu Tukur, who delivered the judgment, cited gross violations of the Electoral Act, including the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission’s failure to comply with standard electoral procedures. The court found that the commission had continued voter registration beyond the legally permissible period, rendering the election process fundamentally flawed.
Governor Fubara’s reluctant acceptance of the Supreme Court’s ruling highlights the deepening political turmoil in Rivers State. While he has pledged to implement the court’s decisions, his public disagreement with the judgments signals ongoing tensions between the executive, judiciary, and legislature. With local government administration now in transition and fresh elections on the horizon, the coming months will be critical for the stability of governance in Rivers State.
The political uncertainty underscores the broader implications of judicial intervention in state affairs, raising critical questions about the balance of power and the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.
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