Governor Fubara Orders Fresh LG Election In Rivers After Supreme Court Judgement

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that his administration will implement the Supreme Court’s ruling after carefully reviewing the Certified True Copy (CTC).

This comes after the Supreme Court declared the local government elections held in the state on October 5, 2024, invalid.

The court also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other federal agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State government, citing non-compliance with previous court orders.

The apex court further dismissed Fubara’s challenge against the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule and ordered the assembly to resume operations immediately.

In a state address on Sunday, Fubara stated that he has already consulted with his legal team, which expects to receive the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the law and ensuring due process is followed.

Due to the court’s decision, Fubara has directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take over leadership in all 23 local government councils until fresh elections are conducted.

He also instructed outgoing chairmen to hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025.

Amidst ongoing political tensions, Fubara called for calm and assured residents that his government remains focused on stability and governance.

The statement read: “STATEWIDE BROADCAST BY THE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA, GSSRS, ON SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025, ON THE RECENT JUDGMENTS OF THE SUPREME COURT.

1. My dear people of Rivers State, we are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State.

2. Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.

3. Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.

4. 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.

5. 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, 7th March, 2025.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March 2025.

9. 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.

10. Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Supreme Court recently rejected an appeal by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the leadership of the state’s House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule.