Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured the people of the oil-rich state that his administration will implement the Supreme Court’s verdict after carefully reviewing its Certified True Copy (CTC).
This followed the Friday judgment of the apex court, which declared the LG election in the state on October 5, 2024, invalid.
In a state broadcast on Sunday, Fubara revealed that he has met with his legal team, who expect to obtain the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025.
He emphasised that his government is committed to upholding constitutional principles and will act by the law.
Meanwhile, the governor has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to immediately take control of the 23 local government councils across the state following the Supreme Court’s ruling that nullified the local government elections on October 5, 2023.
Fubara stated that the civil servants would oversee affairs until the State Electoral Commission conducts fresh elections.
He also instructed the outgoing chairmen to formally hand over to the HLGAs by Monday (tomorrow).
Amid ongoing political uncertainties, the governor urged residents to remain calm and assured them that his administration remains committed to governance and due process.
The Supreme Court, in another judgment on Friday, barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation and other agencies from releasing funds to the government of Rivers State until it purges itself of what the court described as flagrant disobedience to court orders.
In the judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the five-man panel of the court unanimously dismissed Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the validity of the House of Assembly presided over by Martin Amaewhule as the Speaker.
In dismissing Fubara’s appeal, the court ordered Martin Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
