Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Rivers State House of Assembly crisis has brought an end to impunity in the state.
In a landmark decision on Friday, February 28, the Supreme Court ruled to bar the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with court orders.
The court also dismissed a cross-appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, which sought to challenge the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule. Furthermore, the court nullified the recent local government elections in the state, citing significant violations of the Electoral Act.
Following the verdict, Wike addressed the media, praising the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and warning that allowing the crisis to continue would set a dangerous precedent. “If you allow this, one day, a single member could form an assembly, and there would be nothing you could do about it. It is unheard of. We must commend the judiciary for being bold and saying that impunity must not be allowed,” he said. He also criticized Governor Fubara for the mishandling of the local government elections, stating they did not meet the necessary legal standards. “You failed to follow the Electoral Act in conducting the elections. People were praising him, saying, ‘Yes, you’ve done well.’ I hope they’ll also praise him today,” Wike added.
Wike also took aim at Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, accusing him of backing Fubara despite the legal and procedural irregularities. “I hope the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum will also praise him today. The Supreme Court has said ‘enough is enough.’ We cannot allow our democracy to be undermined,” he said.
Emphasizing that the Supreme Court’s decision is final, Wike remarked, “The only thing anyone can do now is appeal the judgment to God.” He also criticized Governor Fubara for allegedly demolishing the state assembly building and relocating legislative activities to a different location. “It’s not about me. How can a man demolish the edifice of the State Assembly and move his faction to his house? It is unheard of,” he said.
Wike concluded by downplaying the importance of hiring numerous Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) for the legal battle. “It’s not about hiring 40 SANs; it’s about upholding the rule of law and ensuring competent people handle the case,” he stated.
