The Commissioner for Information and Communication in Rivers State Joseph Johnson, has assured that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will act in the best interest of the people after thoroughly reviewing the recent Supreme Court judgment.
In a statement issued on Friday, Johnson responded to the court’s ruling, noting that the state government has not yet received the full details of the judgment. He explained that the state would carefully evaluate the decision before determining the next steps.
The Supreme Court had affirmed a Federal High Court ruling that prevented the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from releasing the state’s monthly statutory allocations. Additionally, the court ordered the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as other elected members, to resume sittings.
The Amaewhule faction, which is aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the former governor of Rivers, has been at the center of the political dispute. Furthermore, the court nullified the local government elections held in the state on October 5, 2024.
In response, Johnson assured the public that the Rivers State Government would analyze the implications of the judgment and decide on the best course of action. “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,” he said.
The commissioner also encouraged Rivers residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and to continue with their daily activities while the government seeks further clarity on the judgment.
Johnson pointed out that the issue of the defection of 27 lawmakers, which was not part of the Supreme Court case, remains pending before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. As a result, he stated that the Amaewhule faction and the 26 other lawmakers are still considered operational until the defection matter is resolved in court.
The statement concluded with a commitment from the state government to uphold the best interests of Rivers State and the rule of law in all matters affecting the state.
