Joseph Johnson, the Commissioner for Information and Communication in Rivers State, has assured that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will prioritize the people’s best interest following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling. In a statement issued on Friday, February 28, Johnson acknowledged that the state government has not yet received the full details of the Supreme Court’s decision.
The Supreme Court on Friday, February 28, upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court, which prohibits 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, as well as other elected members, to resume their sittings. This faction, loyal to Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was involved in the ruling. Additionally, the Supreme Court annulled the local government election in Rivers State, which took place on October 5, 2024.
In his statement, Johnson emphasized that the Rivers State government is still awaiting a comprehensive briefing to understand the full implications of the judgment. He reiterated that the government will carefully assess the ruling before taking appropriate action in the best interest of the state and its citizens.
“We are aware of media reports regarding the Supreme Court’s judgment concerning Rivers State’s funds and local government administration,” the statement said. “At this time, we are awaiting further clarification and will evaluate the situation thoroughly before determining the next steps.”
Johnson further encouraged the people of Rivers State to remain calm and law-abiding while the government seeks clarity on the decision. He pointed out that the defection of 27 lawmakers, which was not part of the Supreme Court’s ruling, is still under consideration by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. As such, the Amaewhule faction and the other 26 lawmakers are still recognized as legitimate lawmakers until the defection case is resolved.
The Commissioner reiterated the state’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Rivers and upholding the rule of law in all matters affecting the state.