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WHY SUPREME COURT SACKED RIVERS LG CHAIRMEN, RESTORED PRO-WIKE LAWMAKERS
The Supreme Court dealt a significant blow to Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State on Friday, as it reinstated a judgment barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to the state.
The apex court also nullified the results of the Local Government Elections held in the state on October 5, 2024, further deepening the political crisis in Rivers State.In another far-reaching decision, the court directed the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Hon. Martins Amaewhule, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, to immediately resume sitting without hindrance. The move has intensified the political tug-of-war between Fubara’s administration and the faction loyal to Wike, adding to the turbulence in the state.
The Supreme Court’s rulings have triggered a range of reactions across political, legal, and social circles in Rivers State. Former Governor Nyesom Wike, now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), hailed the judgment as a victory for justice and democracy.
Wike called the decision the “end of the reign of impunity” in Rivers, stating that Governor Fubara’s administration had effectively collapsed. He declared that all actions, appointments, and decisions made by Fubara’s government were now invalid and called for the restoration of the legitimate processes within the state.
Governor Siminalaye Fubara responded to the ruling by stating that his administration would thoroughly review the situation and consult legal experts to determine the next course of action. Fubara emphasized that the state government would act in the best interests of Rivers State and its people, but made it clear that they would challenge any decision that they believed to be unjust.
Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a vocal critic of the Fubara administration, expressed his discontent with the judgment, describing the reinstatement of the 27 defected lawmakers as a “clear declaration of war” on the state.
He argued that the decision would exacerbate political instability in Rivers and widen the division between the factions. Eze also criticized the judgment as an affront to democratic governance in the state.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision, delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, reinstated an earlier order that had barred the release of funds to Rivers State from the consolidated revenue.
The court faulted the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal for overturning the initial injunction that had blocked the release of monthly allocations to the state. This legal battle emerged after Governor Fubara’s refusal to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which was recognized by the court as the legitimate body.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, who delivered the lead judgment, emphasized that the Federal High Court in Abuja had the proper jurisdiction to hear the suit filed by the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers. The lawmakers had challenged the continued withdrawal and expenditure of state funds without the authorization of the state assembly.
The court ruled that the key issue was not solely about the state’s consolidated revenue but rather about Governor Fubara’s refusal to comply with an earlier court order, which mandated him to present the budget before a duly constituted House of Assembly.
The Supreme Court also pointed out that the appellate court had misinterpreted the core issue in dispute. The focus of the case, the court asserted, was not merely the financial allocations but the governor’s failure to obey a legitimate court directive to engage with the recognized legislative body. The judgment sent a clear message that adherence to constitutional processes and court orders is paramount.
The ruling is likely to have significant ramifications for the governance of Rivers State. With the Amaewhule-led faction of the House of Assembly now authorized to resume sitting, tensions are expected to escalate as the two factions vie for control.
The outcome of the local government elections, which were annulled by the Supreme Court, is also expected to fuel the political crisis in the state, with questions surrounding the legitimacy of the electoral process and the subsequent appointments made by Governor Fubara.
This legal and political crisis has also raised concerns about governance in Rivers State. With key decisions stalled and the political environment increasingly polarized, stakeholders are calling for a resolution that will restore peace and stability to the state.
The situation is further complicated by the involvement of various political figures, including the influence of former Governor Wike, whose faction continues to assert its authority despite Fubara’s tenure.
As the dust settles from the Supreme Court’s ruling, it remains to be seen how the state government, led by Fubara, will navigate this legal and political turmoil. Observers are watching closely to see if the judgment will lead to a reconciliation between the warring factions or whether it will escalate tensions further.
The ability of Governor Fubara to regain control and ensure the effective governance of the state hinges on his ability to work with the legislature, resolve internal conflicts, and adhere to the rule of law.In the coming days, political analysts and legal experts will be watching closely as Rivers State prepares for the next phase of this ongoing battle, which could significantly shape the future of the state’s governance.
