His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, addressed the people of Rivers State regarding the Supreme Court’s latest judgment, which has brought significant changes to the state’s political landscape. While expressing disagreement with the ruling, the governor assured the public that his government will abide by the judgment as a law-abiding entity, maintaining that the principles of due process and the rule of law would continue to guide the state’s governance.
Governor Fubara began his speech by acknowledging the public’s awareness of the recent judgments handed down by the Supreme Court concerning political issues in the state. He made it clear that while the Rivers State Government disagrees with some aspects of the ruling, they are committed to upholding the decisions made by the judiciary.
“We are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government,” Fubara stated, highlighting the importance of respecting legal authority. This declaration was made in the context of a series of ongoing political disputes that have been a matter of concern for both the state’s citizens and its political leaders.
Since the beginning of his tenure, Governor Fubara has consistently stated that his administration operates within the framework of Nigeria’s constitution and the rule of law. Despite acknowledging that human error is possible, he reaffirmed that his government has not deliberately acted against the principles of constitutional governance. “We believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberate to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance,” he said.
The governor revealed that his legal team has been in discussion regarding the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling. He explained that the official documents of the judgment, in the form of a certified true copy, are expected to be available by March 7, 2025. Upon receipt, the Rivers State Government will carefully review the ruling to understand its full implications and to ensure it is implemented appropriately.
“We shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the State forward,” Fubara assured.
One of the key points raised by the Supreme Court’s ruling involves the local government system in the state. The judgment has outlawed the continuation of caretaker arrangements, a structure that had been used for the management of local government councils. In response, Governor Fubara issued a directive aimed at ensuring the smooth transition of power in the local government councils.
The governor announced that, effective immediately, the Heads of Personnel Management (HPMs) will take over the administration of all 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State. This decision will remain in place until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The outgoing local government chairmen were instructed to formally hand over the administration of their councils by Monday, March 3, 2025. This move is in line with the Supreme Court’s decision to outlaw caretaker committees, which had been seen by many as temporary or interim arrangements for managing local governments.
By appointing the Heads of Personnel Management, the state government is seeking to ensure that local governments continue to function effectively, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling. The HPMs are expected to maintain the day-to-day operations of the councils while the process for fresh elections is set in motion.
In the final part of his broadcast, Governor Fubara called on the people of Rivers State to remain calm and peaceful as the state adjusts to the changes brought about by the ruling. Despite the challenges, the governor expressed confidence that the state would continue to make progress in serving its citizens.
“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,” he advised, assuring citizens that the state government would continue to work diligently for their benefit.
He concluded his address with a note of encouragement and unity: “Thank you and God bless Rivers State.”
