Politics
Governor Fubara Orders Fresh LG Elections Following Supreme Court Verdict
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed the conduct of new local government elections following the Supreme Court’s ruling. Read more on the latest developments.
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling that nullified the local government elections held on October 5, 2023, the governor has instructed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to promptly assume control over all 23 local government councils throughout the state.
Fubara stated that the civil servants would manage affairs until new elections are organized by the State Electoral Commission.
He also directed the outgoing chairmen to officially hand over their responsibilities to the HLGAs by Monday (tomorrow).
In the midst of continued political uncertainties, the governor encouraged residents to stay calm and reassured them that his administration is dedicated to governance and upholding due process.
On Friday, the Supreme Court issued a ruling preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from disbursing funds to Rivers State. This decision will remain in effect until the state remedies what was termed as blatant disregard for court orders by The Supreme Court.
In the ruling given by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the court’s five-member panel unanimously rejected Fubara’s cross-appeal that questioned the legitimacy of Martin Amaewhule serving as Speaker for the House of Assembly.
After rejecting Fubara’s appeal, the court instructed Martin Amaewhule to promptly rejoin other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for sessions.
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.