…Orders fresh LG Polls
… Urges citizens to remain calm
By Caleb Ishaya and Anthony Ochela, Abuja
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, said that even though the state government does not believe in last Friday’s judgment on the political crisis in the state, the Supreme Court judgment will be implemented in full.
Fubara, who made this known in a state wide broadcast in Port Harcourt, yesterday monitored on AIT said government is bound to obey the apex court’s judgment as a law-abiding administration.
AljazirahNigeria reports that the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, the Supreme Court nullified the October 5, 2023 election of 24 local government chairmen also ordered the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule led 27 members of the Rivers House of Assembly to resume their functions immediately.
In its verdict the apex court ruled that funds would be released to Fubara’s government only when a lawful Appropriation Law is enacted under the Amaewhule led assembly.
In line with the judgment, the Governor ordered the Heads of Local Government Administration, HLGAs, to take over affairs of the administration of the 23 local government councils immediately until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.
According to him “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgment and pronouncement regarding the lingering political crisis in our dear state. Although we disagree with the judgment, we are bound to obey it as a law-abiding government.
“We have conducted the affairs of our government within the framework of our constitution and the rule of law. While we are not above mistakes because we are human, we have not, as a government, trampled on the rule of law.
“I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they assured me that the certified true copy of the judgment may be available to me on Friday.
“I assure you that upon its receipt, we will implement the judgment without any reservation to move the state forward.
“I further direct that the head of administration should take over the conduct of local government affairs”.
The Governor also instructed the outgoing local government council chairmen to hand over power to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3.
Fubara, reiterated that, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements, he had directed the HLGAs to assume control of the councils until RSIEC holds elections.
“I further direct outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over power to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025.
“Although we disagree with the judgment, we must obey the court orders as a law-abiding government.
“Since taking office, we have governed within the framework of our constitution, due process, and the rule of law”, he said.
Fubara, also acknowledged that his administration, like any, is not free from mistakes, but believes it has not intentionally violated the rule of law or constitutional principles.
“Accordingly, I have met with my legal team, who assured me that the certified true copy of the judgment may be available by Friday, March 7.
“Upon receipt, we will study the judgment’s implications and implement them promptly to move the state forward”, he said.
The Governor, however, regretted that the court’s pronouncement has brought difficult times for the state but urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities peacefully.
Therefore, “I urge everyone to stay calm and go about their legitimate activities as we continue to fulfill our responsibilities to the citizens”, Fubara added.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, in another judgment the same day barred the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the Accountant General of the Federation and other agencies from releasing funds to the government of Rivers State until it purges self of what the court described as flagrant disobedience to court orders.
In the judgment by a five-man panel of the court led by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, they unanimously dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Fubara challenging the validity of the House of Assembly presided over by Martin Amaewhule as the Speaker.
In dismissing Fubara’s appeal, the court ordered Martin Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
AljazirahNigeria reports that with the decision of Gov Fubara to respect and implement the apex court judgement, peace will definitely return to the crude oil-rich State.