On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria declared the local government elections held in Rivers State in October 2024 to be invalid, which led to the ousting of all current local government chairpersons.
The court concluded that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) breached the Electoral Act by continuing to register voters after the election date was announced.
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As a result, all local government councils established from the voided election have been disbanded, and the state government must conduct new elections in accordance with the law.
Supreme Court Prohibits Federal Fund Disbursements to Rivers State, Upholds Amaewhule-Led Assembly. The Supreme Court has also prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing financial resources to the Rivers State government, citing the state’s failure to comply with court rulings.
In a decision made by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the court rejected Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s appeal disputing the validity of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
The five-member panel determined that Fubara acted unlawfully by submitting the 2024 budget to a four-member assembly, thus denying proper representation to 28 constituencies. The court instructed Amaewhule and his legislators to immediately resume legislative operations. It also criticized Governor Fubara’s management of the Assembly dispute, labeling his actions as dictatorial and an effort to obstruct the legislature’s functionality.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court characterized the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex as an overreach of executive authority intended to diminish the Assembly’s power.
Impact of the Apex Court’s Ruling on Wike and Fubara’s Concerns
The Supreme Court’s ruling, which halts federal funding to Rivers State and supports Martin Amaewhule’s Assembly, shifts the balance of power in favor of Nyesom Wike, while diminishing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s position. Facing fiscal constraints and an unfriendly legislature, Fubara’s administration encounters significant governance challenges, limiting his influence over state matters.The court’s condemnation of his actions as dictatorial further undermines his reputation, while Wike’s authority is reinforced through his loyalist-dominated Assembly.
Nevertheless, Wike may face public disapproval for perceived overreach. Fubara must now choose whether to engage in negotiations with Wike’s faction or risk additional political isolation and the threat of impeachment.
