Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has pledged to the citizens of the oil-abundant region that his administration will meticulously enact the Supreme Court’s directive once it secures and scrutinizes the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling—a measured promise underscoring his stewardship.
The commitment follows the apex court’s decisive pronouncement on Friday, February 28, 2025, which struck down the local government election held in the state on October 5, 2024, as legally indefensible.
Addressing the state in a broadcast on Sunday, March 2, Fubara disclosed that he had convened with his legal advisors, who anticipate receiving the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025—a timeline that signals deliberate action ahead.
He underscored that his administration stands resolute in its dedication to constitutional fidelity, vowing to navigate the judicial mandate with unwavering adherence to legal tenets.
In a concurrent move, Fubara has instructed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to swiftly assume oversight of the 23 local councils statewide, a directive spurred by the Supreme Court’s annulment of the October 5, 2023, polls—an immediate step to steady governance in the wake of the verdict.
Meanwhile, the governor has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take immediate control of the 23 local government councils across the state, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that nullified the October 5, 2023, local government elections.
Fubara stated that the civil servants would oversee affairs until fresh elections are conducted by the State Electoral Commission.
He also instructed the outgoing chairmen to formally hand over to the HLGAs by Monday (tomorrow).
Amid ongoing political uncertainties, the governor urged residents to remain calm and assured them that his administration remains committed to governance and due process.
Fubara stated that the civil servants would oversee affairs until fresh elections are conducted by the State Electoral Commission.
He also instructed the outgoing chairmen to formally hand over to the HLGAs by Monday (tomorrow).
Amid a swirling tide of political ambiguity in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called for public composure, reaffirming his administration’s steadfast dedication to effective governance and the sanctity of legal procedure—a clarion call issued on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Read also: Gov Fubara Orders Implementation Of Supreme Court Decree
In a separate but seismic ruling on Friday, February 28, the Supreme Court imposed a stringent financial embargo, prohibiting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and allied institutions from disbursing funds to the Rivers State government until it rectifies what the justices branded as a brazen defiance of judicial mandates.
Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, delivering the verdict, led a unanimous five-justice bench in rejecting a counter-appeal lodged by Fubara, which sought to contest the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule—a decision that solidified the chamber’s standing.
In quashing Fubara’s challenge, the apex court mandated an immediate reconvening of the Assembly, directing Martin Amaewhule and his fellow elected lawmakers to resume their legislative duties without delay, a ruling that promises to reshape the state’s political landscape.
