The Rivers State Government (RSG), has urged its citizens to remain calm and law-abiding as it seeks clarity from the legal team on the supreme court judgment on allocations to the State’s local councils.
The Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Joe Johnson, who spoke on the matter in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday – earlier today, February 28 – said the state government was yet to get details of the judgment from its legal team, urging the people to go about their legitimate businesses.
“We have taken note of reports in the media regarding the recent judgment of the Supreme Court concerning the funds of Rivers State and the administration of local governments in the state.
“At this time, we are awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment.
“We will carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people,” he said.
Johnson said the determination of the main issue of the defection of the 27 lawmakers was a matter not before the Supreme Court but pending at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
“Since the issue of defection wasn’t on the table before the learned Justices, in their eyes, Amaewhule and the 26 others are still operating as lawmakers until that matter of defection comes before them.
“We assure you that we remain committed to upholding our mandate to protect the best interest and the rule of law in all matters affecting our dear state,” he stated.
Wike Jubilates
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday hailed the Supreme Court’s ruling, which nullified the recent local government elections in Rivers State and upheld the legitimacy of the 27-member Martin Amaewhule-led State Assembly.
Speaking in Abuja after the judgment, Wike declared that the apex court’s decision has effectively ended the reign of crisis in Rivers State.
Wike also took a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, accusing them of supporting lawlessness in the state.
According to Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no choice but to fully comply with the Supreme Court’s verdict, as it represents the final legal authority on the matter.
The ruling marks a major development in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, reinforcing the authority of the Amaewhule-led Assembly while nullifying the controversial local government elections.
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