By Abiola Olawale
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to conduct fresh local government (LG) elections following a recent Supreme Court ruling that declared the LG election held on October 5, 2024, invalid.
The announcement was made during a statewide broadcast from the Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening.
The Supreme Court’s verdict last Friday nullified the previous LG election, citing procedural irregularities and non-compliance with electoral laws. In a related judgment, the apex court also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it resolves issues of alleged disobedience to prior court orders.
In his broadcast, Fubara expressed disagreement with the Supreme Court’s rulings but emphasized his administration’s commitment to the rule of law.
As an interim measure, Fubara directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take immediate control of the 23 LG councils across the state, pending the conduct of fresh elections by RSIEC.
He also instructed the outgoing LG chairmen to formally hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025.
Fubara further called for calm among Rivers State residents amid the political uncertainties, assuring them that his administration remains committed to governance and due process.
Read Full Speech Of Fubara’s Broadcast Below:
STATEWIDE BROADCAST BY THE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA, GSSRS, ON SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025, ON THE RECENT JUDGMENTS OF THE SUPREME COURT.
1. My dear people of Rivers State, we are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State.
2. Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.
3. Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.
4. While we are not above mistakes because we are humans, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.
