Dons EzeCRISIS LOOMS AS THREE SETS OF CHAIRMEN WARM UP TO TAKEOVER LG COUNCILS IN RIVERS
CRISIS LOOMS AS THREE SETS OF CHAIRMEN WARM UP TO TAKEOVER LG COUNCILS IN RIVERS Three sets of ‘chairmen’ are said to be warming up to take over power at the 23 local council headquarters in Rivers State by today, Monday, March 3, 2025. Already, heads of local government administration in the 23 LGAs have been ordered to take over authorities pending fresh election. This is as the 2015 local council chairmen (known as Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi men) have won a case in the Court of Appeal upholding their tenure. They were sacked by Nyesom Wike, who just became governor in May 2015. At the same time, the Wike boys (2024 elongation chairmen) who secured tenure elongation from the Wike-backed Martin Amaewhule House of Assembly are said to warm up to take over the councils to enforce their term elongation because Amaewhule has been recognized by the Supreme Court probably with any law they made. Gov Sim Fubara who thinks heads of local council administration should take over gave the order Sunday, March 2, 2025, and said it is in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling last Friday, February 28, 2025. The governor who said last Friday he was studying the rulings said the Heads should hold power till fresh election by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Gov Fubara, who gave the directive in a broadcast in Government House, Port Harcourt Sunday evening, explained that the measure became imperative as a result of the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system in Nigeria. The governor said that although his administration disagrees with the judgments, it is bound to obey the orders made therein by the court as a law-abiding government. He further said, “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State. “Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process, and the rule of law. “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. “Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgements may be available to them by Friday, 7th March, 2025. “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.” The governor regretted that with the pronouncements of the court, the State appears to be back in trying times, but quickly called on the people and residents of the State to remain calm, and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities while the government continues to do everything in its powers to advance good governance to the citizens. Meanwhile, what appears to be some complication appeared February 28, 2025, when the Court of Appeal nullified the removal of the 23 LGA chairman elected under then governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi by the next governor, Nyesom Wike. The Court of Appeal thus effectively restored their mandate by holding that the Lambo Akambi judgment of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, which removed the elected council officials, lacked jurisdiction to proceed with the matter without first resolving the challenge to his jurisdiction. The Appeal Court, in a unanimous judgment, also frowned at the Federal High Court which denied the 2015 elected chairmen and councilors fair hearing, despite their application to join and be heard as interested parties during the pendency of the matter in the trial court. According to the court, “Failure of the trial judge to join interested…
CRISIS LOOMS AS THREE SETS OF CHAIRMEN WARM UP TO TAKEOVER LG COUNCILS IN RIVERS
CRISIS LOOMS AS THREE SETS OF CHAIRMEN WARM UP TO TAKEOVER LG COUNCILS IN RIVERS Three sets of ‘chairmen’ are said to be warming up to take over power at the 23 local council headquarters in Rivers State by today, Monday, March 3, 2025. Already, heads of local government administration in the 23 LGAs have been ordered to take over authorities pending fresh election. This is as the 2015 local council chairmen (known as Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi men) have won a case in the Court of Appeal upholding their tenure. They were sacked by Nyesom Wike, who just became governor in May 2015. At the same time, the Wike boys (2024 elongation chairmen) who secured tenure elongation from the Wike-backed Martin Amaewhule House of Assembly are said to warm up to take over the councils to enforce their term elongation because Amaewhule has been recognized by the Supreme Court probably with any law they made. Gov Sim Fubara who thinks heads of local council administration should take over gave the order Sunday, March 2, 2025, and said it is in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling last Friday, February 28, 2025. The governor who said last Friday he was studying the rulings said the Heads should hold power till fresh election by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Gov Fubara, who gave the directive in a broadcast in Government House, Port Harcourt Sunday evening, explained that the measure became imperative as a result of the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system in Nigeria. The governor said that although his administration disagrees with the judgments, it is bound to obey the orders made therein by the court as a law-abiding government. He further said, “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State. “Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process, and the rule of law. “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. “Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgements may be available to them by Friday, 7th March, 2025. “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.” The governor regretted that with the pronouncements of the court, the State appears to be back in trying times, but quickly called on the people and residents of the State to remain calm, and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities while the government continues to do everything in its powers to advance good governance to the citizens. Meanwhile, what appears to be some complication appeared February 28, 2025, when the Court of Appeal nullified the removal of the 23 LGA chairman elected under then governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi by the next governor, Nyesom Wike. The Court of Appeal thus effectively restored their mandate by holding that the Lambo Akambi judgment of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, which removed the elected council officials, lacked jurisdiction to proceed with the matter without first resolving the challenge to his jurisdiction. The Appeal Court, in a unanimous judgment, also frowned at the Federal High Court which denied the 2015 elected chairmen and councilors fair hearing, despite their application to join and be heard as interested parties during the pendency of the matter in the trial court. According to the court, “Failure of the trial judge to join interested…
CRISIS LOOMS AS THREE SETS OF CHAIRMEN WARM UP TO TAKEOVER LG COUNCILS IN RIVERS
CRISIS LOOMS AS THREE SETS OF CHAIRMEN WARM UP TO TAKEOVER LG COUNCILS IN RIVERS Three sets of ‘chairmen’ are said to be warming up to take over power at the 23 local council headquarters in Rivers State by today, Monday, March 3, 2025. Already, heads of local government administration in the 23 LGAs have been ordered to take over authorities pending fresh election. This is as the 2015 local council chairmen (known as Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi men) have won a case in the Court of Appeal upholding their tenure. They were sacked by Nyesom Wike, who just became governor in May 2015. At the same time, the Wike boys (2024 elongation chairmen) who secured tenure elongation from the Wike-backed Martin Amaewhule House of Assembly are said to warm up to take over the councils to enforce their term elongation because Amaewhule has been recognized by the Supreme Court probably with any law they made. Gov Sim Fubara who thinks heads of local council administration should take over gave the order Sunday, March 2, 2025, and said it is in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling last Friday, February 28, 2025. The governor who said last Friday he was studying the rulings said the Heads should hold power till fresh election by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Gov Fubara, who gave the directive in a broadcast in Government House, Port Harcourt Sunday evening, explained that the measure became imperative as a result of the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system in Nigeria. The governor said that although his administration disagrees with the judgments, it is bound to obey the orders made therein by the court as a law-abiding government. He further said, “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State. “Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process, and the rule of law. “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. “Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgements may be available to them by Friday, 7th March, 2025. “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.” The governor regretted that with the pronouncements of the court, the State appears to be back in trying times, but quickly called on the people and residents of the State to remain calm, and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities while the government continues to do everything in its powers to advance good governance to the citizens. Meanwhile, what appears to be some complication appeared February 28, 2025, when the Court of Appeal nullified the removal of the 23 LGA chairman elected under then governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi by the next governor, Nyesom Wike. The Court of Appeal thus effectively restored their mandate by holding that the Lambo Akambi judgment of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, which removed the elected council officials, lacked jurisdiction to proceed with the matter without first resolving the challenge to his jurisdiction. The Appeal Court, in a unanimous judgment, also frowned at the Federal High Court which denied the 2015 elected chairmen and councilors fair hearing, despite their application to join and be heard as interested parties during the pendency of the matter in the trial court. According to the court, “Failure of the trial judge to join interested…
RIVERS CRISIS: WE’LL IMPLEMENT SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT WITHOUT RESERVATIONS – FUBARA
RIVERS CRISIS: WE’LL IMPLEMENT SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT WITHOUT RESERVATIONS – FUBARA Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has assured people of the oil-rich state that he will implement, “without reservations”, the recent 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 conducted in the state on October 5, 2024, as invalid. In a state broadcast on Sunday in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara said though he disagrees with the judgment, he is bound to obey the orders as he runs a law-abiding government. He, however, stressed that his administration will take necessary action on the judgment only after his legal team had received and analysed the implications He said: “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State. “Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.” The governor emphasised that “Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our constitution, due process and rule of law. “While we are not above mistakes because we are human, we believe that have not, as a government, done anything deliberate to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance. “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 March 7, 2025,” he said. Fubara assured that on receipt of the CTC, he would study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the state forward. “Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGA) to immediately takeover the administration of the 23 Local Government Councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission,” he said. He further directed the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, March 3, 2025. He explained that the measure became imperative as a result of the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system in Nigeria. “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, he said. The governor said that although his administration disagrees with the judgments, it is bound to obey the orders made therein by the court as a law-abiding government. “Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government. “Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law. “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. “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,” he added.
RIVERS CRISIS: WE’LL IMPLEMENT SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT WITHOUT RESERVATIONS – FUBARA
RIVERS CRISIS: WE’LL IMPLEMENT SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT WITHOUT RESERVATIONS – FUBARA Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has assured people of the oil-rich state that he will implement, “without reservations”, the recent 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 conducted in the state on October 5, 2024, as invalid. In a state broadcast on Sunday in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara said though he disagrees with the judgment, he is bound to obey the orders as he runs a law-abiding government. He, however, stressed that his administration will take necessary action on the judgment only after his legal team had received and analysed the implications He said: “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State. “Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.” The governor emphasised that “Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our constitution, due process and rule of law. “While we are not above mistakes because we are human, we believe that have not, as a government, done anything deliberate to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance. “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 March 7, 2025,” he said. Fubara assured that on receipt of the CTC, he would study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the state forward. “Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGA) to immediately takeover the administration of the 23 Local Government Councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission,” he said. He further directed the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, March 3, 2025. He explained that the measure became imperative as a result of the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system in Nigeria. “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, he said. The governor said that although his administration disagrees with the judgments, it is bound to obey the orders made therein by the court as a law-abiding government. “Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government. “Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law. “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. “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,” he added.
WIGWE UNIVERSITY GETS GETS PRO-CHANCELLOR, VICE CHANCELLOR
WIGWE UNIVERSITY GETS PRO-CHANCELLOR, VICE CHANCELLOR The Board of Trustees of Wigwe University appoints Honourable Justice Amina Adamu Augie, CON, JSC (Rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council and Prof. Marwan Al-Akaidi CEng, CTIP, FBCS, FIET, FIAP, SIEEE and Vice-Chancellor of the institution. The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN According to Prof. Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, these significant developments underscore the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and innovation. As the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Honourable Justice Augie, CON, JSC (Rtd) will succeed Professor Julius Okojie, OON, the former Pro-Chancellor of the University. Meanwhile, Professor Al-Akaidi has been confirmed as the substantive Vice-Chancellor after serving in an acting role as well as Dean of the College of Science and Computing and Deputy Vice-Chancellor responsible for research and innovation. Honourable Justice Augie, CON, JSC (Rtd), is a distinguished jurist and former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, in 1977 and subsequently became a barrister and solicitor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1978 after attending the Nigerian Law School. She later enrolled at the University of Lagos to pursue her Master of Laws (LLM) in criminology between 1986 and 1987. Her career shifted focus to academia, where she served as an assistant lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University. From 1984 to 1988, she worked as a law lecturer at the Nigerian Law School, teaching a course on evidence. In 1988, Honourable Justice Augie, CON, JSC (Rtd) began her judicial career and gradually advanced through the ranks. She was first appointed as Chief Magistrate in the Sokoto State Judiciary, until her appointment as a Judge of the High Court in 1992, a position she held until her elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2002. As a Justice of the Court of Appeal, she served in various divisions for fourteen years and rose to become Presiding Justice. In 2016, she was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court, making her the sixth female Supreme Court Justice out of 104 Supreme Court Justices in Nigeria. She is esteemed for her unwavering integrity, insightful judgments, and commitment to justice. The Board noted that her exceptional leadership, integrity, and wealth of experience will be invaluable in guiding the University toward its strategic goals and upholding its core values of excellence, innovation, and service. Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi (CEng, CITP, FBCS, FIET, FIAP, SIEEE) obtained a BSc and a Master of Science degree in Digital Communications Systems from Loughborough University (UK) and subsequently earned his doctorate from the same institution, specialising in Optical and Communications Engineering in 1988. Vice Chancellor, Wigwe University, Prof. Marwan Al-Akaidi Professor Al-Akaidi is a distinguished academic and visionary leader. His extensive experience in higher education, research, and innovation will be beneficial in fulfilling the University’s mission and vision. He has pioneered a variety of educational innovations, including blended, online, and e-learning within the United Kingdom and MENA region, as well as introducing MOOCs in the Middle East, thereby revolutionising access to education. He has supervised over 45 PhD/MPhil students and over 100 MSc students. Additionally, he has authored over 300 publications in prestigious international journals and conferences, served as Chief Editor for over 7 international journals, and held editorial roles in more than 40 international conferences. He has also occupied various positions in the UK and the MENA region, including Head of the School of Engineering & Technology, Dean of Computing, Vice President, and Provost. According to the board, his appointment marks a new chapter in the University’s journey to fostering a culture of academic rigor, scientific discovery, and entrepreneurial spirit.
BAUCHI MAN BEATS 24-YEAR-OLD WIFE TO DEATH OVER FOOD
BAUCHI MAN BEATS 24-YEAR-OLD WIFE TO DEATH OVER FOOD Bauchi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the shocking death of a 24-year-old woman, allegedly beaten to death by her 50-year-old husband during a domestic dispute over Ramadan meal preparations. According to a statement from the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Wakili, the tragic incident occurred on March 1, 2025, at about 11:30 pm in the Fadamam Mada area, near Government Girls College, Bauchi. The suspect, Alhaji Nuru Isah, a businessman at the Bauchi Central Market, reportedly attacked his second wife, Wasila Abdullahi, after an argument over food ingredients and fruits meant for breaking their Ramadan fast. The altercation escalated, and Isah allegedly struck Wasila with a cane, causing her to collapse and lose consciousness inside their home. She was rushed to ATBU Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed her dead. “Police have arrested the suspect and recovered the cane used in the assault as evidence. “The victim’s body has been deposited in the mortuary pending an autopsy. “Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, has assured the public that justice will be served. “He also used the opportunity to emphasize the dangers of domestic violence, calling on the community to uphold respect, empathy, and understanding in family life,” the statement added. The police urged residents to report cases of domestic abuse, stressing that violence within the home is a crime with serious consequences.
BAUCHI MAN BEATS 24-YEAR-OLD WIFE TO DEATH OVER FOOD
BAUCHI MAN BEATS 24-YEAR-OLD WIFE TO DEATH OVER FOOD Bauchi State Police Command has launched an investigation into the shocking death of a 24-year-old woman, allegedly beaten to death by her 50-year-old husband during a domestic dispute over Ramadan meal preparations. According to a statement from the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Ahmed Wakili, the tragic incident occurred on March 1, 2025, at about 11:30 pm in the Fadamam Mada area, near Government Girls College, Bauchi. The suspect, Alhaji Nuru Isah, a businessman at the Bauchi Central Market, reportedly attacked his second wife, Wasila Abdullahi, after an argument over food ingredients and fruits meant for breaking their Ramadan fast. The altercation escalated, and Isah allegedly struck Wasila with a cane, causing her to collapse and lose consciousness inside their home. She was rushed to ATBU Teaching Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed her dead. “Police have arrested the suspect and recovered the cane used in the assault as evidence. “The victim’s body has been deposited in the mortuary pending an autopsy. “Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, has assured the public that justice will be served. “He also used the opportunity to emphasize the dangers of domestic violence, calling on the community to uphold respect, empathy, and understanding in family life,” the statement added. The police urged residents to report cases of domestic abuse, stressing that violence within the home is a crime with serious consequences.
NYSC MEMBERS KNOCK FG OVER UNPAID N77K ALLOWANCE
NYSC MEMBERS KNOCK FG OVER UNPAID N77k ALLOWANCE Members of the National Youth Service Corps have expressed their disapproval of the Federal Government’s persistent failure to implement the payment of the N77,000 allowance. The Federal Government had approved an increase in the corps members’ monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000, effective July 2024. In the same year, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Yushau Ahmed stated that the new allowance was implemented due to the non-release of funds. The DG later announced that corps members would start receiving the N77,000 in February 2025. Despite the official announcement, findings revealed that the NYSC has yet to commence payment of the N77,000. Many corps members also told our correspondent that they received only N33,000 for their February allowance on Friday. A corps member serving in Abia State accused the Federal Government of insincerity regarding the payment of the N77,000 allowance. The corps member, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH on condition of anonymity because corps members are not allowed to talk to the media, lamented that the N33,000 allowance was insufficient. She said, “The N33,000 is not enough for us. The PPA where we are posted doesn’t provide accommodation; we have to handle that ourselves. The economic situation of the country is not new to anybody. Feeding is another issue in an unfamiliar place. It’s nearly impossible to survive on N33,000 a month. PPAs don’t pay well; some pay as little as N4,000. Imagine surviving on N37,000 a month when you add the N4,000. “Things are very expensive. I haven’t even included transportation costs. In the fellowship house where I’m staying, we contribute for food, and after that, one is left with a meagre amount. I haven’t even mentioned other bills that have to be paid. The money is very poor, and the Federal Government keeps promising and failing us. This is very bad.” Another corps member serving in Osun expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government over the delay in paying the new allowance. She said, “The Federal Government should do something; this N33,000 is insufficient. After calculating my expenses, I see that I spend over N70,000 a month. The money I spend on transportation alone is over N12,000 monthly, excluding the days I go for CDS. I had to call my mother to ask for support because this monthly allowance is inadequate. One cannot survive on this unless one is ready to suffer.” Also, a corps member serving in Lagos expressed her dissatisfaction, saying, “I don’t know how they expect us to survive on N33,000 when there is so much hardship. They keep promising N77,000, yet we have not seen anything.” The Director of Communication of the NYSC, Carol Embu, neither answered calls nor responded to a text message sent to her when our correspondent reached out for comment on the matter. However, a senior official of the NYSC, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the scheme had yet to commence the N77,000 payment. “We are yet to start payment for the new allowance,” he said.
ANXIETY IN RIVERS AS FUBARA, LOYALISTS CONSIDER SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT
ANXIETY IN RIVER AS FUBARA, LOYALISTS CONSIDER SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT It is exactly 16 months since the political crisis broke out in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. For one year and four months, Rivers, prided as the hub of West African oil and gas, has been embroiled in a war of attrition over the control of its political soul. But last Friday’s Supreme Court verdicts gave what may change the political destiny of the state for a long time. The judgement hit the state like a thunderbolt, leaving in its wake silence and despair on one side, joy and jubilation on the other. It was shocking that from Thursday, February 27, some allies of Wike were seen on social media celebrating ahead of the court judgment, which later went their way on Friday. Before now, there were five consolidated cases at the Supreme Court, one was dismissed a fortnight ago while four were left. The four consolidated cases include SC/CV/1174/2024, between Rivers State House of Assembly and others against the Rivers State Government and nine others, and SC/CV/1175/2024, between Rivers State House of Assembly and others against the Rivers State Governor and nine others. Others were SC/CV/1176/2024, between Rivers State House of Assembly and others against Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, and nine others; SC/CV/1177/2024, between Rivers State House of Assembly and others against the Accountant General of Rivers State and nine others, and SC/CV/1071/2024, between Rivers State House of Assembly and others against the National Assembly and 16 others. (The last one has already been dismissed). When the judgment was finally given by the apex court on the four consolidated cases, Fubara was literally stripped of his political structure as it invalidated the October 5, 2024, local government elections, his influence on the state legislature, and validated the suspension of federal allocations. Succinctly, the reinstated 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike are returning to the status quo with a mindset of revenge having been denied the paraphernalia of their legislative office for many months and Wike, having had his ego dangerously bruised by Fubara’s audacious opposition to his (Wike’s) domineering posture on the state. ImpeachmentThe greatest fear in the Fubara camp is that with the Supreme Court matter done and dusted, many think pro-Wike group would not hesitate to implement their initial plan. That is the impeachment of Fubara. Several reliable sources confirmed this fear. They hinted that the process is not planned to take a long time to accomplish. Accordingly, the 27-assembly lawmakers, who are now likely to carry out the dictates of their master, may call for the head of the Attorney General after “the suspension of the 3-man Victor Oko-Jumbo Assembly”. Why Supreme Court sacked Rivers LG Chairmen, restored pro-Wike lawmakersWike set the ball rolling when he allegedly said: “All Fubara’s commissioners and his 3-member assembly are all gone. They are not commissioners, they never existed in the first place. I am sure his so-called Attorney-General will not go and say he is the Attorney-General of Rivers State again. He knows the consequences of saying that, he knows that he is gone”. INC/PANDEFPresident of Ijaw National Congress, INC, Professor Benjamin Okaba, reacting to the apex court’s judgment on Saturday, called for calm, saying the judgment was not the end of the matter. “We are still studying the implications of the judgment. When we discovered that the issue of defection was not mentioned by the Supreme Court, it left us confused. For now, we want everybody to be at peace and go about their normal responsibilities”, Okaba said. He noted that, as a pressure group, INC will continue to work within the confines of the law of the land. But “if injustice is…