Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that his administration will comply with the Supreme Court’s verdict after thoroughly reviewing its Certified True Copy (CTC).
This follows the apex court’s Friday judgment, which declared the local government election held in the state on October 5, 2024, invalid.
In a state broadcast on Sunday, Fubara disclosed that he had consulted with his legal team, who expect to obtain the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025. He emphasized that his government remains committed to upholding constitutional principles and will act within the law.
Following the ruling, the governor directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take immediate control of the 23 local government councils until fresh elections are conducted by the State Electoral Commission. He also instructed outgoing council chairmen to hand over to the HLGAs by Monday.
Amid political tensions, Fubara urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that governance and due process would be upheld.
Meanwhile, in another ruling on Friday, 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 previous court orders.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye led a five-man panel that unanimously dismissed Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
The court further ordered Amaewhule and other elected members to resume legislative duties immediately.
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.
