Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has maintained a defiant stance despite the Supreme Court’s ruling ordering the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to withhold funds from the state government. The judgment, which further escalated the political turmoil in the oil-rich state, comes amid the controversy surrounding the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Fubara, however, insists that while the Supreme Court has spoken on financial matters, the legality of the lawmakers’ defection remains an unresolved issue. According to him, the political landscape of Rivers State has been destabilized by the mass defection, raising constitutional concerns about the legitimacy of the lawmakers’ continued presence in the House of Assembly.
“The Supreme Court’s ruling is noted, but let it be clear: the matter of the 27 defected lawmakers is far from over,” Fubara stated, signaling his intent to challenge the legitimacy of their actions.
The crisis in Rivers State has continued to deepen since the lawmakers abandoned the PDP for the APC, a move widely seen as a power play to weaken Fubara’s administration. While the defectors argue that their action aligns with their political rights, legal experts and political analysts believe that their seats should be declared vacant in line with constitutional provisions.
Observers suggest that the unfolding drama could lead to further legal battles, with the potential for the courts to determine whether the defected lawmakers retain their legislative seats or face expulsion. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s directive to withhold Rivers State’s funds adds another layer of tension to an already volatile political atmosphere.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on how Governor Fubara navigates these turbulent waters while maintaining governance in the state amid financial and political uncertainties.
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