Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has praised the Supreme Court’s ruling on the ongoing crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly, calling it a significant victory in ending impunity in the oil-rich state.
In a landmark decision on Friday, February 28, the Supreme Court ordered that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies halt the release of funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with court orders. The court also dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. Additionally, the court nullified the recent local government elections in the state, citing violations of the Electoral Act.
Speaking shortly after the ruling, Wike commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and stated that allowing the crisis to continue would have set a dangerous precedent. “If you allow this, one day, one member will constitute an assembly, and there is nothing you can do. It is unheard of. We must commend the judiciary for being bold to say this impunity must not be allowed,” he said.
Wike also criticized Governor Fubara’s handling of the local government elections, pointing out that they did not meet the required legal standards. “You failed to follow the Electoral Act in terms of conducting local government elections. People were hailing him, saying ‘Yes, you have done well.’ I hope they will also hail him today,” he remarked.
The former governor also took aim at Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, accusing him of supporting Fubara despite clear legal and procedural irregularities. “I hope the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum will also hail him today. The Supreme Court has come out to say ‘enough is enough.’ We must not truncate our democracy,” he stated.
Wike emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision is final, leaving no room for further legal challenges. “The only thing anyone can do now is appeal the judgment to God,” he quipped. He also criticized Governor Fubara for allegedly destroying the state assembly building and relocating legislative activities to a different venue. “How can a man demolish the edifice of the State Assembly and take his faction to his house? It is unheard of,” Wike added.
Wike also downplayed the significance of hiring multiple Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) for the legal battle, stressing that the outcome depended on competent legal arguments and adherence to the rule of law. “It is not about hiring 40 Senior Advocates of Nigeria; it is about upholding the rule of law and having competent people to handle the case,” he concluded.