The Supreme Court’s ruling on the ongoing crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly has put an end to impunity in the oil-rich state, according to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
In its verdict on Friday, the apex court prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies from disbursing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with previous court orders, which the court described as being flagrantly disobeyed.
A five-member panel of justices unanimously dismissed a cross-appeal by Governor Siminalayi Fubara challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
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Additionally, the Supreme Court nullified the recent local government elections in the state, declaring them invalid due to gross violations of the Electoral Act.
Following the judgment, Wike addressed reporters, commending the judiciary for upholding the rule of law. He warned that allowing such actions to go unchecked could set a dangerous precedent where a single individual could declare themselves an assembly.
“You failed to follow the Electoral Act in conducting local government elections, yet people were applauding the governor. Today, I hope those same people will still hail him,” Wike said, taking a jab at PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed, for supporting Governor Fubara.
Wike emphasized that the Supreme Court’s ruling is final and must be obeyed, stating that the matter, which had dragged on for over 15 months, has now been conclusively settled. The only appeal left, he said, would be to God.
Responding to criticism, Wike insisted that the issue was not about him but about protecting democratic principles. “How can a man demolish the State Assembly complex and relocate his faction to his house? It is unheard of,” he said.
He further argued that hiring 40 Senior Advocates of Nigeria would not change the essence of the case, stressing that what matters is upholding the rule of law and ensuring competent legal representation.
