BREAKING: Supreme Court Sacks Rivers State Local Government Chairmen

The Supreme Court has ruled for the removal of all local government chairmen in Rivers State, sparking political tensions. Read more on the verdict.

The Supreme Court has declared the local government election, held on October 5th, 2024 by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, as invalid.

In a ruling issued by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the court deemed the election invalid due to significant violations of the Electoral Act.

In his reading of the judgment, Justice Tukur declared that the actions of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission were void due to a failure to substantially comply with the Electoral Act and guidelines. The electoral body had continued voter registration even after announcing an election date.

The court determined that the procedures for conducting a local government election were shortened, clearly violating Section 150 of the Electoral Act.

In a ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), along with the Accountant General and other agencies, from distributing funds to Rivers State. This decision will remain in effect until Rivers State addresses what the court has identified as blatant noncompliance with its orders.

In a judgement lasting one hour and thirty-six minutes, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye delivered the decision of the five-member court panel, which unanimously dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the legitimacy of Martin Amaewhule as Speaker in presiding over the House of Assembly.

In rejecting Governor Fubara’s appeal, the court instructed Martin Amaewhule to promptly commence sessions with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The court ruled that Governor Fubara’s alleged presentation of an appropriation bill to a four-member House of Assembly is an anomaly, as it effectively denies representation for twenty-eight constituencies. This action flagrantly violates a court order requiring him (Fubara) to present the 2024 appropriation bill before a legitimately constituted Assembly led by Amaewhule.

The supreme court additionally declared that Governor Fubara’s actions concerning the alleged defection of twenty-eight members of the Rivers Assembly represent an act of lawlessness and authoritarianism, intended to obstruct the House from fulfilling its legitimate duties under Amaewhule’s leadership as Speaker.

The court further concluded that Governor Fubara’s demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex is an undisciplined action, reflecting an excessive use of executive power aimed at hindering the sessions led by Amaewhule.