Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents of the oil-rich state that his administration will fully comply with the Supreme Court’s verdict after a thorough review of its Certified True Copy (CTC). This follows the apex court’s Friday ruling, which invalidated the local government elections held in the state on October 5, 2024.
During a state broadcast on Sunday, Fubara disclosed that he has consulted with his legal team, who anticipate receiving the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025. He reiterated his government’s commitment to upholding constitutional principles and acting in strict adherence to the law.
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, the governor has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume immediate control of the 23 local government councils across Rivers State. The court’s ruling nullified the October 5, 2023, local government elections, prompting the need for interim administration.
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
Fubara clarified that the HLGAs, who are civil servants, will oversee the councils’ operations until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Electoral Commission. He also instructed outgoing council chairmen to formally hand over their responsibilities to the HLGAs by Monday (tomorrow). Amid the ongoing political tensions, the governor urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that his administration remains focused on governance and due process.
In a related development, the Supreme Court, in a separate ruling on Friday, barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State government. This decision was made until the state government demonstrates compliance with court orders, which the court accused it of flagrantly disregarding.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, was supported by a unanimous decision from the five-member panel. The court also dismissed a cross-appeal filed by Governor Fubara, challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. In its ruling, the court ordered Amaewhule and other elected members of the assembly to resume their legislative duties immediately.
Governor Fubara’s administration now faces the dual challenge of addressing the Supreme Court’s directives while maintaining stability and public confidence in Rivers State.
