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By Godwin Chukwumaechi, Port Harcourt
Following the Friday February 28 Supreme Court Judgment nullifying the local government election in Rivers State held on October 5, 2024, State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has ordered the 23 local government chairmen of the state to had over to the Head of LG Administration of their respective councils.
Governor Fubara who made the order on Sunday in a short state-wide address said that following the law banning the use of caretaker committee to administer the third tire of government in Nigeria, the Local Government Heads of Administration being the most senior at the local government should hold forte at the councils until when the state Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) conducts fresh election for the local government councils.
On other orders made by the Apex Court, the governor stated that his team of lawyers had applied for the certified true copy of the judgment and assured that they will take delivery of the judgment on March 7, 2025 assuring that after studying the judgment he would implement the decisions of the Supreme Court.
Fubara stated in the very terse broadcast; “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court Judgment and pronouncements regarding the lingering political dispute in our dear state. Although we disagree with the judgment, we are bound to abide by the orders made therein as a law abiding government.
“Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our constitution, due process and rule of law. While we are not above mistakes because we are humans, we believe we have not as government done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.
“Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers they have assured me that a certified true copy of the judgment may be available to them by Friday the 7th of March, 2025. I assure you that upon the receipt of the certified judgment we shall study the ramifications and implement them without delay to move the state forward.
“I further direct the out- going local government chairmen to formally hand over to Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday 3rd of March, 2025. I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate businesses as we continue to do everything within our power to advance responsibilities to the citizens.”
Recall that the Supreme Court, while delivering judgments on some of the several cases on the lingering political crisis in Rivers State made same orders including the nullification of the local government elections conducted by the government on October 5, 2024.
The Apex Court also directed the CBN and the Accountant General of the Federation to halt the release of monthly allocation to the state. It further ordered Martin Amaewhula and the 26 other members of the state assembly to resume legislative activities without any further delays, among other orders made by the Supreme Court.
