S/Court Verdict On Rivers Crisis, Victory For Democracy – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has hailed the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Rivers State House of Assembly crisis as a major win for democracy and a firm endorsement of the rule of law.

On Friday, the Supreme Court overturned the November 21, 2024, decision of the Court of Appeal, which had previously upheld the results of the October 5, 2024, local government election in Rivers State.

In a unanimous decision, a five-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji ruled in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring the election unlawful and in violation of established electoral procedures.

Reacting to the judgment, which also recognized the legitimacy of the 27-member Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, Wike emphasized that democracy cannot function without a properly constituted legislature.

“ “The Supreme Court has made it very clear that you cannot have a democracy without a legislature. It is unheard of for three people to sit somewhere and claim to be making laws for an entire state,” Wike said.

As the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Wike condemned the state government’s handling of the crisis, particularly the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, an act he described as outright assault on an independent arm of government.

“A governor demolishing the Assembly complex and pretending nothing happened is unacceptable. Then you carry a few legislators to your house and claim they are making laws? And you expect no consequences? This is wrong, and we cannot continue like this,” Wike said.

Wike also warned Governor Siminalayi Fubara against disregarding the Supreme Court’s decision, reminding him of his previous defiance of both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

He further urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to halt financial disbursements to the Rivers State government until the budget is formally presented before the assembly, insisting that public funds cannot be spent without proper legislative approval.

“You cannot continue disbursing funds when there is no lawfully approved state budget. Until the budget is presented before the legitimate 27-member assembly, and not just three individuals, no money should be released”.

“You’ve disobeyed the Federal High Court, you’ve disobeyed Court of Appeal, but that does not mean that you will dare the Supreme Court, because that will be inviting anarchy. I know with the Supreme Court judgment, the end has come for lawlessness,” said.

Wike also criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, accusing them of endorsing the lawlessness in Rivers State.

Remi Johnson