Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to implement the Supreme Court’s verdict regarding the state’s local government elections after thoroughly reviewing the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment.
This commitment follows the apex court’s ruling on Friday, which declared the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State invalid.
In a statewide broadcast on Sunday, Fubara disclosed that he had already consulted with his legal team, who anticipate receiving the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025.
Emphasizing his administration’s dedication to upholding the law, the governor reiterated his commitment to constitutional governance and due process.
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, Fubara has instructed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take immediate charge of all 23 local government councils in the state. The move comes as a transitional measure until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
The governor also directed outgoing local government chairmen to formally transfer authority to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025.
Amid the prevailing political situation, Fubara called for calm and reassured residents that his administration remains committed to governance and the rule of law.
The Supreme Court, in a separate ruling on Friday, barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other federal agencies from disbursing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with previous court orders.
Additionally, the court dismissed Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. In a judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the five-man panel ruled unanimously in favor of Amaewhule, directing him and the elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume legislative activities immediately.
Statewide Broadcast by Governor Siminalayi Fubara
“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.”
