The Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling on Friday that reshaped the political landscape in Rivers State, dealing a significant blow to Governor Siminalayi Fubara while strengthening the position of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. In a ruling that has sparked intense debate, the apex court nullified the recent Local Government elections and reinstated 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike.
Why the Supreme Court Intervened
At the heart of the crisis was Governor Fubara’s refusal to present the 2024 budget before the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Hon. Martins Amaewhule, a group aligned with Wike. The court ruled that the Federal High Court had the jurisdiction to stop the state from accessing its federal allocations due to Fubara’s alleged disregard for legislative processes.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, who delivered the lead judgment, criticized Fubara for presenting the state’s budget to only four lawmakers instead of the full assembly. The ruling reaffirmed that the 27 lawmakers, who were previously believed to have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), remained legally recognized members of the House.
Local Government Elections Declared Invalid
In a separate judgment, the Supreme Court also invalidated the outcome of the October 2024 Local Government elections, siding with the APC’s claim that the process violated the Electoral Act. The court found that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) failed to meet key legal requirements, such as conducting a mandatory review of the voters’ register at least 90 days before the election.
Wike Declares Victory, Fubara Remains Defiant
Reacting to the judgment, FCT Minister and former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike celebrated the ruling, calling it the end of impunity in the state. He claimed that Fubara’s administration had effectively collapsed, as all decisions and appointments made without proper legislative approval were now void.
Governor Fubara, on the other hand, urged Rivers residents to remain calm while his administration evaluates the ruling. He hinted at further legal and political steps, stating that his government remains committed to serving the best interests of the people.
Political Fallout: A State on Edge
The ruling has deepened tensions within Rivers State politics. APC chieftain Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze described the reinstatement of the lawmakers as a “declaration of war” on Rivers State, warning that the crisis was far from over. Meanwhile, the Rivers APC welcomed the judgment, urging Fubara to comply with the law and move forward for the state’s development.
With the Supreme Court’s decision shaking the foundation of the current administration, Rivers State now stands at a political crossroads. As the dust settles, all eyes remain on how Governor Fubara will navigate this turbulent chapter in the state’s history.
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