Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed concerns about potential impeachment following a recent Supreme Court ruling that favored 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.
The judgment, issued last Friday, has ignited a political storm, but Fubara remains unshaken, insisting that his government will continue to serve the people of Rivers State.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has far-reaching implications. It ordered the Federal Government to halt financial allocations to Rivers State until Fubara engages with the Wike-aligned lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule, and presents the state budget to them.
The apex court also annulled the local government election conducted by Fubara last year. The ruling further tilted the balance of power in favor of Wike and his supporters, intensifying the political crisis that began in October 2023.
At the heart of this crisis is a split in the Rivers State House of Assembly, with 27 lawmakers backing Wike, while four lawmakers remain loyal to Fubara.
This division led to a failed impeachment attempt by the pro-Wike lawmakers last October, which was further exacerbated by a bomb explosion that destroyed the Assembly complex.
In response to the Supreme Court’s verdict, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, told The PUNCH that the governor was not intimidated by the ruling or fears of impeachment. “Afraid of what? The governor is on his toes and has the mandate of the Rivers people,” Johnson remarked. “The governor will obey the law, respect the sanctity of the law, and uphold the will of Rivers people.”
Johnson also clarified that while the state government would comply with the Supreme Court’s orders, it was still awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment for thorough review. “We will evaluate the judgment and decide accordingly, always ensuring that our actions are in line with the law and in the best interest of Rivers people,” Johnson explained.
Despite the setback in the local government elections, Fubara’s administration remains resolute. In a broadcast on Sunday, the governor directed the chairpersons of the 23 local government councils to immediately hand over power to the Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGA).
This measure follows the Supreme Court’s ruling that caretaker committees could no longer oversee local governments. Fubara stated that the HOLGAs would manage the councils until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
On the contentious matter of the pro-Wike lawmakers’ legitimacy, Johnson reiterated the stance that they were no longer members of the Assembly, citing a previous Rivers State High Court judgment that disqualified them. “We respect the Supreme Court’s decision, but the facts remain that the pro-Wike lawmakers’ actions have been legally challenged, and we stand by those positions,” he added.
Rivers State Elders, who have consistently supported Fubara throughout his political struggles, also weighed in. High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a prominent member of the Rivers State Elders Forum, urged the governor not to bow to external pressures. “Rivers State will not succumb to unnecessary pressure,” Sara-Igbe asserted. “We will not beg anyone. This state is for the people of Rivers, and we will chart our own course.”
Fubara’s administration remains focused on governance and the welfare of the people, with major infrastructure projects set to begin this week.
The governor’s resilience in the face of these challenges highlights his commitment to the state’s progress despite the ongoing political turbulence.
In summary, while the Supreme Court’s ruling has brought fresh challenges, Governor Fubara’s leadership continues to be defined by his resolve to follow the law, respect judicial decisions, and prioritize the interests of Rivers people above all.
