Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers state, has addressed concerns regarding potential impeachment following a recent Supreme Court ruling that recognized the 27 lawmakers aligned with former governor Nyesom Wike. The Supreme Court’s verdict, delivered on Friday, mandated the Federal Government to withhold financial allocations to Rivers State until Fubara submits the budget to the pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule. Additionally, the court nullified the local government elections that Fubara conducted last year.
See also: Supreme Court Blocks Rivers State Funds, Strengthens Wike’s Influence
This ruling has shifted the power dynamics in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which began in October 2023. The state’s House of Assembly is currently divided, with 27 legislators supporting Wike and four standing with Fubara. Tensions escalated when the pro-Wike faction initially attempted to impeach Fubara, prompting a response from the governor that resulted in a bomb explosion damaging the Assembly complex.
Fubara contends that the pro-Wike lawmakers forfeited their legislative seats due to their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. Consequently, he opted to present the 2024 and 2025 budgets to the four Assembly members loyal to him. However, the Supreme Court deemed this action illegal and instructed him to present the budget to the pro-Wike lawmakers instead.
Despite the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which appears to strengthen the position of the pro-Wike lawmakers, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, has downplayed any concerns regarding Fubara’s potential impeachment.
In a recent interview, spokesperson Johnson addressed concerns regarding the Rivers State governor’s current standing and actions. He emphasized, “The governor is proactive and has the support of the Rivers people. He is committed to upholding the law and considering the views of the citizens.”
Johnson announced that the inauguration of various projects would begin on Monday, with more inaugurations planned over the next ten days. He reassured that the governor remains undeterred by opposition from critics within the state.
Regarding a recent Supreme Court ruling, Johnson clarified that the court did not remove the governor but rather withheld allocations meant for Rivers State. When asked about compliance with an order concerning the budget and its presentation to pro-Wike lawmakers, Johnson mentioned that the state government is waiting for a Certified True Copy of the judgment to analyze it thoroughly before making any decisions. “We will assess the judgment and act in accordance with the law while considering the welfare of Rivers people,” he stated.
Johnson also asserted that Amaewhule and 26 others are no longer recognized as members of the state Assembly, referencing a previous judgment from the Rivers State High Court. He noted that the Court of Appeal ruled that the state High Court lacked the jurisdiction in this matter. He expressed confidence that the Supreme Court made its decision based on the facts presented.
Additionally, the Rivers Elders, who have been supporting Governor Fubara since his conflicts with former governor Wike began in 2023, advised against seeking reconciliation with Wike following the unfavorable Supreme Court ruling.
In an exclusive interview on Sunday, High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a prominent member of the Rivers State Elders Forum and the first spokesman for the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, emphasized that Rivers State will not yield to external pressures following the recent Supreme Court judgment. Sara-Igbe, who also serves as the National Coordinator of the South-South Elders Forum, stated, “Rivers State will not succumb to unnecessary pressure. We will not beg anyone in this matter.”
He indicated that the Federal Government and the Supreme Court are observing the situation closely, adding, “At the appropriate time, they will see what will happen.” When asked whether the elders would advise Governor Fubara to seek reconciliation with former Governor Wike and the 27 lawmakers, Sara-Igbe firmly responded, “We will not.”
In response to the Supreme Court ruling that invalidated last year’s local government poll, Governor Fubara addressed the public in a statewide broadcast on Sunday. He instructed the elected chairmen of the 23 local governments to relinquish their positions by Monday. The governor mandated that the chairmen hand over authority to the Heads of Local Government Administration until fresh elections can be conducted.
Fubara explained that this move was necessary due to the Supreme Court’s prohibition of using caretaker committees to govern local governments. He stated, “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. I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power by Monday, 3rd March 2025.”
Despite expressing disagreement with the court’s judgments, Fubara affirmed his administration’s commitment to abide by the court’s orders as a law-abiding government.
