Wike, Fubara Reactions As Supreme Court Nullifies Rivers LG Election.
The Supreme Court has declared the local government election conducted in Rivers State on 5 October 2024 as invalid, ruling that it was conducted in violation of the Electoral Act. The verdict also includes directives halting the release of funds to the state government and reinstating 27 lawmakers who had been removed amid political tensions.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Jamilu Tukur stated that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) failed to meet the necessary legal conditions before organising the election, rendering the process null and void. The All People’s Party (APP) had claimed victory in the disputed poll.
In a related ruling, the Supreme Court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to suspend financial allocations to Rivers State until Governor Siminalayi Fubara complies with constitutional requirements, including the enactment of a lawful Appropriation Law under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, delivering another ruling, mandated the immediate resumption of the 27 embattled members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court criticised Governor Fubara’s decision to operate with only four out of 32 lawmakers, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of democratic principles.
The Supreme Court also condemned the governor’s actions, including the demolition of the state assembly complex, describing them as unlawful and an abuse of power. Additionally, Fubara has been fined ₦10 million, payable to the reinstated lawmakers for the legal battle against him.
Reacting to the ruling, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) commended the judgment, urging Governor Fubara to abide by the law. APC state publicity secretary, Chibike Ikenga, stated that the verdict was a necessary step towards restoring good governance in the state.
Meanwhile, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warned of serious consequences if Governor Fubara fails to comply with the court’s decision. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, described the ruling as a major development in the state’s ongoing political crisis and urged Fubara to cooperate with the reinstated lawmakers.
In response, the Rivers State government stated that it would review the full details of the judgment before deciding on its next course of action. Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, called for calm and assured residents that the government remains committed to upholding the rule of law.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also weighed in, dismissing claims by Governor Fubara that the commission was deliberately delaying by-elections to replace the 27 lawmakers. INEC clarified that pending court cases prevent it from taking any action until a final judicial resolution is reached.
With tensions running high in Rivers State, all eyes are now on Governor Fubara’s next move as political stakeholders urge compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives to restore stability in the state.
