Supreme Court Sacks Rivers LG Chairmen, Restores Pro-Wike Lawmakers, Deals Blow to Governor Fubara
The Supreme Court on Friday delivered a landmark judgment that has significantly altered the political landscape of Rivers State, reinstating the pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers and sacking Local Government Chairmen and Councillors elected in the October 5, 2024, Local Government Elections. The apex court also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) from releasing statutory monthly allocations to the state, dealing a heavy blow to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.
The judgment, delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, has sparked mixed reactions across the state, with former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, celebrating the decision as the end of impunity in Rivers State. Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has vowed to evaluate the judgment and determine the next steps in the best interest of the state.
Key Highlights of the Judgment
- Reinstatement of Pro-Wike Lawmakers: The Supreme Court nullified the actions of Governor Fubara, who had presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill to only four members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to him. The court ruled that the 27 lawmakers led by Hon. Martins Amaewhule, who are loyal to Wike, remain valid members of the Assembly. The court ordered them to resume sitting immediately, unhindered.
- Bar on Statutory Allocations: The apex court reinstated an earlier judgment that barred the CBN and AGF from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers State. This decision was based on Governor Fubara’s refusal to present the 2024 budget to the properly constituted House of Assembly.
- Sack of LG Chairmen and Councillors: The Supreme Court nullified the outcome of the Local Government Elections held on October 5, 2024, citing violations of the Electoral Act. The court ruled that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) failed to meet the condition precedents stipulated by Section 150(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022, particularly the review of the voters’ register at least 90 days before the election.
Governor Fubara’s Reaction
In a statement issued by his Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson, Governor Fubara said his administration would carefully evaluate the judgment and determine the next steps. “At this time, we are awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment. We will carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people,” the statement read.
Fubara urged Rivers people to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them of his commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the state’s best interests.
Wike Celebrates Judgment as End of Impunity
Former Governor Nyesom Wike hailed the Supreme Court’s decision, describing it as the end of impunity in Rivers State. He accused Governor Fubara of committing impeachable offenses, including presenting the budget to only four lawmakers and spending state funds without legislative approval. “The Supreme Court has made it very clear that you cannot have a democracy without a legislature. It is unheard of for three people to constitute an assembly to make laws for the entire state,” Wike said.
Wike also criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, for supporting what he called “lawlessness” in Rivers State.
APC Chieftain Calls Judgment a Declaration of War
Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the Supreme Court’s judgment as a “declaration of war against Rivers State and the death of the judiciary in Nigeria.” He accused the court of ignoring the defection of the 27 lawmakers from the PDP to the APC, which he argued invalidated their membership in the Assembly.
However, Eze commended Governor Fubara for standing firm against what he called “anti-democratic forces” and urged Nigerians to defend democracy.
APC Hails Judgment, Calls for Compliance
The Rivers State chapter of the APC welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision, describing it as a restoration of sanity in the state. In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, the party called on Governor Fubara to retrace his steps and comply with the law. “We call on all lovers of democracy to prevail on Governor Fubara to quickly retrace his steps and do the needful for the development of our dear state to thrive,” the statement read.
Implications of the Judgment
The Supreme Court’s judgment has far-reaching implications for Rivers State’s political and governance structures. The reinstatement of the pro-Wike lawmakers and the sacking of the LG Chairmen and Councillors have effectively weakened Governor Fubara’s administration. The bar on statutory allocations further complicates the state’s financial situation, potentially crippling governance and service delivery.
The judgment also underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions and the rule of law in governance. It serves as a reminder to political actors that the judiciary remains a critical arbiter in resolving political disputes and upholding democratic principles.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a turning point in the political crisis in Rivers State, with significant consequences for Governor Fubara’s administration and the state’s governance. As stakeholders react to the judgment, the focus now shifts to how the state government will navigate the new political reality and ensure stability and development for the people of Rivers State. The judgment also highlights the need for political actors to prioritize the rule of law and constitutional compliance in their
