On Friday, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a landmark ruling on the ongoing crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, which has been a source of tension in the oil-rich state. The ruling, which was hailed by many, is seen as an important step in addressing the culture of impunity that has plagued the state’s political landscape.
The court’s decision, which was delivered by a five-man panel of justices, has far-reaching consequences for the Rivers State government. In its ruling, the Supreme Court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other federal agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State government until it purges itself of what the court described as “flagrant disobedience to court orders.” The ruling comes as part of a legal battle surrounding the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, which has been characterised by legal challenges, political uncertainty, and allegations of corruption.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has been vocal about the situation, praised the ruling, calling it a victory for the rule of law and an end to the impunity that has characterised the political landscape of Rivers State. “The Supreme Court ruling today has ended the impunity in Rivers State,” Wike said in a statement after the verdict. “It is a victory for the people of Rivers State and the entire country. This ruling sends a strong message that no one is above the law, and that the rule of law must be upheld at all times.”
The crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly has been a long-running issue, with political tension between the state government and the legislative arm. At the centre of the dispute is the leadership of the House of Assembly. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who assumed office in May 2023, has faced opposition from members of the House of Assembly, particularly over the issue of the speaker of the House.
The disagreement escalated when a faction of the House elected Martin Amaewhule as the Speaker of the House, while another faction supported a different candidate. This division has led to multiple court cases, with Governor Fubara challenging the validity of the Assembly led by Amaewhule.
The ongoing political crisis in the state has attracted significant attention, as the Rivers State House of Assembly plays a crucial role in the governance of the state. The stalemate has hindered the state’s legislative processes, leaving many government programmes and initiatives in limbo.
In its ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, which sought to challenge the validity of the House of Assembly presided over by Martin Amaewhule as Speaker. The court’s decision upheld the position of Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker, further solidifying the legal standing of his faction of the House.
Governor Fubara had challenged the legitimacy of the Assembly, claiming that Amaewhule’s election was illegal and violated the constitution. However, the Supreme Court found that there was no merit in the Governor’s appeal and dismissed it in its entirety. The ruling reaffirmed the position of the Amaewhule-led faction, effectively putting an end to the political deadlock in the state House of Assembly.
In a further blow to the Rivers State government, the Supreme Court also nullified the recent local government elections held in the state. The court declared the elections invalid, citing gross violations of the Electoral Act. This decision has serious implications for the state’s governance, as the local government elections were expected to provide a framework for local administration and political representation in the state.
The court found that the elections were marred by irregularities, including discrepancies in voter registration, failure to adhere to proper electoral procedures, and widespread reports of electoral malpractice. As a result, the Supreme Court declared the elections null and void, ordering that they be re-conducted in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The nullification of the local government elections adds to the growing list of challenges facing the Rivers State government, which has struggled with political instability and legal disputes. The ruling is likely to lead to further political fallout, as various factions in the state prepare for fresh elections.
The ruling has been met with mixed reactions in Rivers State and across the country. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and a former Governor of Rivers State, welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision. Wike has long been an outspoken critic of the Rivers State government’s handling of the House of Assembly crisis, and he praised the court for its role in restoring the rule of law in the state.
“This is a victory for democracy and the people of Rivers State,” Wike said in his statement following the ruling. “For too long, impunity has reigned in Rivers State, but this ruling has shown that the law is supreme, and no one is above it. I believe this decision will bring an end to the crisis and allow the state to move forward.”
However, the ruling has also sparked criticism from some quarters, particularly from supporters of Governor Fubara, who have argued that the decision will lead to further instability in the state. The Governor’s legal team has yet to respond to the ruling, but it is expected that they will explore options for appealing the decision.
The nullification of the local government elections means that the state’s local governments will continue to function under interim arrangements, further prolonging the political uncertainty in the state. The Governor and other political leaders in the state will need to work together to ensure that fresh elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
