The Rivers State government has urged residents to remain calm following the Supreme Court’s nullification of the October 5, 2024, local government elections. The administration assured the public that Governor Siminalayi Fubara would act decisively in the best interests of the state, ensuring that governance remains stable and aligned with the rule of law.
In an official statement released shortly after the ruling, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, acknowledged the court’s decision and affirmed the government’s commitment to due process.
Johnson noted that while the government had taken note of media reports, it had yet to receive a comprehensive briefing on the ruling’s legal implications. He assured that all necessary steps would be taken after a thorough evaluation.
> “We have taken note of reports regarding the Supreme Court’s judgment on Rivers State funds and local government administration. At this time, we await a detailed briefing on the implications. The government will carefully evaluate the situation before making any decisions in the best interest of Rivers State and its people,” Johnson stated.
He called on residents to maintain peace and lawfulness while the administration charts a path forward.
Addressing speculations, Johnson clarified that the ongoing case regarding the defection of Speaker Martins Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers was separate from the Supreme Court ruling and remained pending before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
> “The matter of defection was not before the Supreme Court. As it stands, Amaewhule and the 26 others continue to function as lawmakers until the Federal High Court determines their fate. The government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and acting in the best interest of Rivers people,” he added.
In a landmark ruling, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State. The court held that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) violated relevant laws in conducting the polls, which saw the Action Peoples Party (APP) sweep all 23 chairmanship seats.
Justice Jamilu Tukur, who delivered the lead judgment, upheld the appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), ruling that key legal conditions were not met before RSIEC proceeded with the election.
> “There is no evidence that voter registration was updated within the legally required 90-day period before the election. Additionally, there was a failure to issue the requisite notices as mandated by law,” Justice Tukur ruled.
The verdict represents a significant setback for Fubara’s loyalists, who had contested the election under the APP banner due to their limited influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structures in the state.
With the Supreme Court’s decision reshaping the political landscape in Rivers, all eyes are now on Governor Fubara’s next move. As his administration navigates this legal and political storm, the governor faces mounting pressure to ensure that governance remains steady while addressing the implications of the court’s ruling.
For now, the Rivers State government has assured citizens that it remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting democracy, even as the state awaits further judicial clarifications.
PIONEER NEWS 