Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents of the state that his administration will comply with the recent Supreme Court judgment regarding ongoing political disputes, despite disagreeing with the ruling.
In a state broadcast, Fubara acknowledged the court’s decision but emphasized his commitment to the rule of law. “Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government,” he stated.
The governor reiterated his administration’s adherence to constitutional governance since assuming office. “We have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our constitution, due process, and rule of law,” he affirmed, adding that while mistakes may have been made, they were not intentional violations of legal principles.
Fubara revealed that his legal team expects to receive the certified true copies of the judgment by Friday, March 7, 2025. “Upon receipt, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the state forward,” he assured.
In response to the court’s ruling against caretaker committees in local government administration, the governor issued an immediate directive regarding the governance of the 23 Local Government Councils. “I hereby direct the Heads of Personnel Management to immediately take over the administration of the 23 Local Government Councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission,” he announced.
Fubara further instructed the outgoing local government chairmen to handover power to the designated officers by Monday, March 3, 2025. “I direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Personnel Management,” he declared.
Acknowledging the political tension in the state, Fubara urged citizens to remain peaceful and continue their daily activities without fear. “Although our dear state seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities,” he appealed.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to serving the people, assuring them that all necessary steps would be taken to uphold stability. “We will continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court ruling and the subsequent government response are expected to shape the next phase of Rivers State’s political landscape.
