Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured residents that his administration will implement the recent Supreme Court judgment after carefully reviewing the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the verdict.
The assurance comes after the apex court on Friday declared the local government elections conducted in the state on October 5, 2024, invalid.
In a state broadcast on Sunday, Fubara disclosed that he has consulted with his legal team, who expect to obtain the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025. He reiterated his government’s commitment to constitutional principles and its resolve to act within the confines of the law.
Following the court’s decision, the governor directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take immediate control of the 23 local government councils across the state. These civil servants will oversee council affairs until the State Electoral Commission conducts fresh elections. Outgoing council chairpersons were instructed to formally hand over to the HLGAs by Monday.
Amid the political uncertainty, Governor Fubara called for calm among residents, assuring them of his administration’s dedication to governance and adherence to due process.
In a related ruling, the Supreme Court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State government until it complies with prior court orders.
The court also dismissed a cross-appeal by Governor Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, delivering the unanimous decision of the five-man panel, ordered Amaewhule to resume his duties immediately alongside other elected members of the Assembly.
Read Full Speech Of Fubara’s Broadcast Below:
STATEWIDE BROADCAST BY THE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA, GSSRS, ON SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025, ON THE RECENT JUDGMENTS OF THE SUPREME COURT.
1. 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.
2. Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.
3. Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.