Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed all 23 local government chairmen to hand over to administrative heads, following the Supreme Court judgment nullifying local government elections in the state.
Governor Fubara’s Statement in Full
Governor Fubara’s address began with, “My dear people of Rivers State, we’re all aware of the recent Supreme Court’s judgment and the pronouncement regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear state. Although we disagree with the judgment, we are bound to obey the order made therein as a law-abiding government.” He emphasized that since taking office, his administration has operated within the constitution, due process, and the rule of law, acknowledging human fallibility but denying deliberate violations.
He further stated, “I’ve had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that a certified true copy of the judgment may be available to them by Friday, the 7th of March 2025. I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgment, we shall study the ramifications and implement them without reservation to move the state forward.” This indicates a commitment to legal compliance, with plans to review the judgment details by March 7, 2025.
The core directive was, “Given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the head of local government administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils, pending the conduct of a fresh election by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. I further direct that the outgoing local government chairmen formally hand over to the head of local government administration by Monday, the 3rd of March, 2025.” This aligns with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which invalidated the October 2024 elections, rendering the current chairmen’s positions void.
Fubara concluded by urging calm, saying, “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 responsibility to the citizens. Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.”
The Supreme Court Judgment
The Supreme Court’s judgment, delivered on Friday, by Justice Jamilu Tukur, nullified the local government elections held on October 5, 2024, by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The court found significant breaches of the Electoral Act, particularly that voter registration continued after the election date was announced, violating Section 150 of the Act. This ruling, rendered the elected chairmen and councilors’ positions invalid, necessitating the governor’s directive.
Background: Rivers State’s Political Crisis
Rivers State’s political crisis has been marked by tension since Governor Fubara’s tenure began, exacerbated by the defection of 27 out of 32 assembly members from PDP to APC, allegedly supporting former Governor Nyesom Wike, now FCT Minister. This defection, led to legal challenges over the lawmakers’ legitimacy, with Fubara contesting their status.
The local government elections in October 2024 were conducted amidst this tension, therefore their nullification by the Supreme Court.
The governor’s directive means the heads of local government administration, as senior civil servants, will manage the 23 councils until fresh elections are held.
Governor Fubara’s directive reflects a commitment to legal compliance amidst disagreement, with the state poised for a transitional period of its local government under administrative heads.
