iDeemlawfulGovernor Siminilayi Fubara of Rivers State
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that although his administration disagrees with the Supreme Court judgments.
He further said that to lay rest the lingering political disputes in the state, he is bound to obey the orders made therein by the court as a law-abiding government.
The governor said that although humans are not above mistakes, his government has not done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.
Governor Fubara stated this in a statewide broadcast in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday evening.
He said, “Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process, and the rule of law.”
The governor regretted that with the pronouncements of the court, the state appears to be back in trying times, but quickly called on the people and residents of the state to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities while the government continues to do everything in its powers to advance good governance for the citizens.
The governor said, “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear state.
“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.
“Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgments may be available to them by Friday, 7th March 2025.
“I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgments, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the state forward.”
He further ordered the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) 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 (RSIEC).
The governor also directed the outgoing local government council chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, March 3, 2025.
According to the governor, the measure became imperative as a result of the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system in Nigeria.
He said, “Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration 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 Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March, 2025.
“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 as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens.”
