The Supreme Court’s recent ruling suspending federal allocations to Rivers State and nullifying the local government elections conducted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sparked widespread reactions across the state.
While residents of Port Harcourt and other parts of the state moved about freely, many gathered in small groups to discuss the implications of the judgement. Reports emerged that staff of Ahoada-East Local Government allegedly looted chairs and computers following the verdict. Additionally, a viral video showed the Port Harcourt City Local Government chairman patrolling the streets.
Supreme Court’s Verdict
The Supreme Court directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to immediately halt further disbursement of federal funds to Rivers State until Governor Fubara ceases all “illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional actions.”
Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, who delivered the lead judgement, declared that state funds cannot be spent unless the 27-member House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, passes a lawful Appropriation Bill. The court further reinstated the 27 lawmakers, declaring their legislative activities valid.
The five-man panel of justices, led by Justice Musa Uwani Aba-Aji, ruled that Governor Fubara’s actions including demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly complexbwere unlawful. The court also ordered the reinstatement of the Clerk, Deputy Clerk, and all Assembly staff who had been unlawfully removed.
APC, Wike Celebrate Verdict
Reacting to the ruling, Rivers APC spokesman, Hon. Chibike Ikenga, described it as a victory for democracy. He urged Governor Fubara to obey court orders and stop listening to “conflictpreneurs” who, he claimed, had taken advantage of him.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike also praised the Supreme Court’s decision, saying it marked the end of impunity in Rivers politics. Wike criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for allegedly supporting lawlessness.
“The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they turn. This ruling has laid to rest all controversies. You cannot have a democracy without a legislature,” Wike said.
He further emphasized that state funds cannot be spent without a valid Appropriation Bill, and dismissed any suggestion that three lawmakers could make laws for an entire state.
Rivers Government Awaits Legal Briefing
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has stated that it is awaiting a detailed briefing on the judgement before making any decisions. Commissioner for Information, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, assured residents that the government would act in the best interest of the state.
INEC Clarifies Position on Defected Lawmakers
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also weighed in, cautioning Governor Fubara against misleading the public on the defection of the 27 lawmakers. INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, clarified that the matter is still in court, and the commission will wait for a final judicial decision before taking any action.
As tensions remain high, political observers are watching closely to see how Governor Fubara responds to the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling.
