Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to implement the recent Supreme Court judgment on the state’s political crisis, despite expressing disagreement with the ruling.
Fubara made this known on Sunday during a broadcast on AIT, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the rule of law.
The Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered on Friday by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, ruled that Rivers State funds would only be released when a lawful Appropriation Law is enacted under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
The court also directed the 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to resume their legislative functions immediately.
Reacting to the ruling, Fubara stated that while his government disagrees with the decision, they are obliged to comply as a law-abiding administration.
“We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgment regarding the lingering political crisis in our dear state. Although we disagree with the judgment, we are bound to obey it as a law-abiding government,” he said.
He further assured Rivers residents that upon receiving the certified true copy of the judgment, his administration would implement it without reservation.
“I have met with my team of lawyers, and they assured me that the certified true copy of the judgment may be available by Friday.
“I assure you that upon receipt, we will implement it to move the state forward,” Fubara stated.
In line with the court’s ruling, Fubara also directed that the Head of Administration in each local government should take over the management of council affairs until new elections are conducted.
The governor’s statement comes amid heightened political tension in the state, as the power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, continues to divide the Rivers political landscape.
