By our Reporter
Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State Governor,
says the judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria will be obeyed and implemented.
He has therefore, directed all the elected Chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas of the State to hand over to the Heads of Local Government administration immediately.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria, on 28th February 2025, in its judgement, delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, had declared as invalid the election conducted on the 5th October 2024 through which, 23 Chairmen emerged as winners with 319 councillors.
In State-wide broadcast on Sunday, 2nd March 2025, Governor Fubara said the heads of Local Government administration will take charge and conduct affairs of the councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
Governor Fubara said: “I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgements may be available to them by Friday 7th March, 2025.
“I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgements, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the State forward.
“Furthermore, given the outlawing of Caretaker arrangements in the Local Government system, I herebydirect 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.
“I further direct the outgoing Local Government Chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Personnel Management by Monday, 3rd March 2025.”
Governor Fubara stated that since inception, his administration has conducted the affairs of government within the framework of the constitution, due process and the rule of law.
The Governor noted with regrets the trying times the State has been plunged but urged everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities and be sure that his administration will continue to do everything in meeting their aspirations.
Governor Fubara clarified: “Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our constitution, due process and the rule of law.
“While we are not above mistakes because we are human, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberate to trample on the rule of law or the hollowed principles of constitutional governance.”
Governor Fubara assured: “Although our dear State seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens.”
