Wike Hails Supreme Court Ruling, Says It Ends Impunity in Rivers

Nyesom Wike has praised the Supreme Court’s verdict, stating that it has put an end to impunity in Rivers State. Read more on the political implications.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, stated on Friday that the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly has put a stop to impunity in the oil-rich state.

In its ruling on Friday, the apex court prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from disbursing funds to Rivers State’s government until it addresses what has been termed by the court as blatant disregard for judicial orders.

The court’s five-member panel unanimously rejected Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cross-appeal, which contested the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

The Supreme Court also nullified the recent local government elections in the state, declaring them invalid due to significant violations of the Electoral Act.

Soon after the verdict, the minister addressed reporters and praised the judiciary for maintaining the rule of law.

“If you permit this, eventually a single member might form an assembly on their own and there would be no recourse; it is unprecedented. We should praise the judiciary for taking a strong stance against allowing such impunity,” Wike stated.

You did not adhere to the Electoral Act when organizing local government elections. People were praising Governor Siminalayi Fubara, saying, “Yes, you have done well.”

Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, also criticized Bala Mohammed, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and current Bauchi State Governor, for backing Governor Siminalyi Fubara.

He stated that the Governor of Rivers State must fully adhere to the Supreme Court’s verdict, as it serves as the ultimate legal authority on this issue.

He expressed his wish that they would praise him today, including the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. He added that with the Supreme Court stating “enough is enough,” it’s clear we must protect our democracy from disruption.

The FCT Minister stated that the issue, which persisted for more than 15 months, has been resolved by the nation’s highest court. Now, all one can do is appeal to a higher power.

“People keep mentioning my name, Wike; this isn’t about me. How can one individual decide to dismantle the state assembly’s structure and move his fraction elsewhere? It’s unprecedented.”

He expressed his joy for Nigerians and the people of Rivers, emphasizing that impunity must come to an end. “We cannot permit this to occur,” he asserted, adding, “We will not allow anyone to undermine the country’s democracy.”

Wike emphasized that the key issue is not about hiring 40 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, but rather upholding the rule of law and ensuring competent individuals manage the case.