Governor Fubara Reacts to Supreme Court Ruling on Rivers State Political Crisis

By DAYO ADESULU

Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) will conduct fresh elections for local government councils following recent Supreme Court judgments on the Rivers State political crisis.

The Supreme Court’s verdict, which has intensified political tensions in Rivers State, mandates changes in local government administration. In response, Governor Fubara, in a statewide broadcast on Sunday, March 2, 2025, assured residents that his administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law despite disagreeing with the rulings.

Governor Fubara Directs Heads of Local Government to Take Over

As an interim measure, Governor Fubara directed the Heads of Local Government Administration to assume control of the 23 local government councils pending fresh elections. He further instructed the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over power by Monday, March 3, 2025.

“Given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by RSIEC,” Governor Fubara stated.

This directive is expected to stabilize governance at the grassroots level while the state government implements the Supreme Court’s decision.

Supreme Court Ruling and Rivers State Political Crisis

The Supreme Court’s recent ruling has exacerbated the ongoing Rivers State political crisis. Governor Fubara acknowledged that while his government does not agree with the judgments, it has no choice but to comply with the directives as a law-abiding administration.

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“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government,” Fubara said. He assured residents that his legal team would obtain the certified true copies of the judgments by Friday, March 7, 2025, after which the government would study and implement them accordingly.

Governor Fubara Calls for Calm Amid Political Tensions

Amid the growing concerns over the Rivers State political crisis, Governor Fubara urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring political stability and continued service delivery in the state.

“Although our dear state seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities,” he said.

The governor’s plea for peace comes as political observers predict further disputes between different factions in the state. However, he reassured Rivers people that his government would do everything possible to protect democracy and uphold the rule of law.

Reactions to Governor Fubara’s Directive

Political analysts have weighed in on Governor Fubara’s decision to conduct fresh local government elections. While some support the move as a way to resolve the Rivers State political crisis, others view it as a temporary measure that may not fully address the underlying political tensions.

A political analyst, Dr. Ifeanyi Okonkwo, stated, “The decision to hold fresh local government elections is a necessary step. However, the state government must ensure that the elections are free, fair, and transparent to avoid further legal disputes.”

Opposition parties and other stakeholders have also expressed concerns about the governor’s decision, with some calling for broader consultations before implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling.

What Next for Rivers State?

With the Supreme Court ruling now in effect, the focus shifts to the upcoming local government elections and how the political landscape in Rivers State will evolve. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) is expected to announce the election timetable soon.

The political crisis in Rivers State has been a subject of national discussion, with various factions lobbying for control of the local government councils. Analysts believe the upcoming elections will serve as a litmus test for Governor Fubara’s leadership and the political stability of Rivers State.

Conclusion

The Rivers State political crisis has reached a critical point with the Supreme Court’s ruling and Governor Fubara’s directive for fresh local government elections. As the state prepares for a new phase of political restructuring, stakeholders, residents, and political actors will closely watch how the government implements the judgment.

Governor Fubara’s call for peace and adherence to the rule of law will be crucial in ensuring that Rivers State remains stable during this transition period.

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Dayo Adesulu, online editor, SEO expert.