Joseph Johnson, the Commissioner for Information and Communication in Rivers State, has stated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will act in the best interest of the people after thoroughly reviewing the Supreme Court’s judgment.
In a statement issued on Friday, February 28, in response to the verdict, the commissioner clarified that the state government had not yet received the full details of the apex court’s ruling.
The Supreme Court, on February 28, affirmed the Federal High Court’s judgment, which prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers State. The court also ordered the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with other elected members, to resume sittings. This faction is loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former governor of Rivers State. Additionally, the Supreme Court nullified the local government elections held in Rivers State on October 5, 2024.
In the statement, Johnson said that the state government would take appropriate action after reviewing the judgment. “We have taken note of media reports regarding the recent judgment of the Supreme Court concerning Rivers State’s funds and the administration of local governments,” the statement read. “At this time, we are awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment. We will carefully evaluate the situation and decide on the best course of action for Rivers State and its people.”
“Although we have not received the full details from our legal team, we urge Rivers people to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue with their legitimate activities as we seek clarity on the judgment. We believe that the matter concerning the defection of the 27 lawmakers is not before the Supreme Court, as it is still pending at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.”
“Since the issue of defection wasn’t addressed by the learned Justices, they regard Amaewhule and the 26 other lawmakers as still operating until the defection matter is presented before them,” he added.
Johnson emphasized that the state government remains committed to protecting the best interests of Rivers State and upholding the rule of law in all matters affecting the state.
