Supreme Court blocks Rivers State allocations, sacks Local Government Chairmen

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reinstated its earlier judgment barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers State.

Additionally, the court has declared the local government election conducted on October 5, 2024, invalid due to gross violations of the Electoral Act.

In a landmark judgment delivered on Friday, February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court faulted the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal for vacating the initial order that stopped the release of funds to Rivers State.

The court held that the Federal High Court in Abuja had the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by the Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Supreme Court, in its lead judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, stated that the Court of Appeal erred in its verdict.

The court noted that the core issue in dispute was not merely about the consolidated revenue of Rivers State but rather the refusal of Governor Siminalaye Fubara to obey a subsisting court order mandating him to present the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the valid State Assembly.

The court agreed with the Federal High Court that the 27 lawmakers who allegedly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) are still valid members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, pending the final determination of their status.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court dismissed Governor Furbara’s claim that he had to invoke the doctrine of necessity by presenting the Appropriation Bill to the remaining five members of the Assembly due to the defection of the 27 lawmakers.

The court held that the doctrine of necessity could not be invoked to justify an illegal action.

The Supreme Court also accused Governor Furbara of destroying the government due to his fear of being impeached and awarded N5 million in costs against him.

In a related development, the Supreme Court declared the local government election conducted on October 5, 2024, invalid due to gross violations of the Electoral Act.

The court held that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission continued voter registration even after announcing an election date, which is a clear violation of the Electoral Act and guidelines.

The court, in its judgment delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, declared the election invalid and removed all the local government chairmen elected in the October 2024 election.

The court also ordered the Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume sitting with all elected members unhindered.

Godfather – Godson fight dirty

The Godfather-Godson battle in Rivers State is between former Governor Nyesom Wike (the Godfather) and current Governor Siminalaye Fubara (the Godson).

This power struggle is reportedly fueled by disagreements over governance, politics, and control of the state’s resources.

As the former Governor, Wike is alleged to have wielded significant influence over Fubara’s emergence as Governor, and now, Fubara is seeking to assert his independence and consolidate his power.

The conflict has led to a series of political maneuvers, including the Supreme Court’s decision to reinstate the order stopping Rivers State allocations.

This move has significant implications for the state’s finances and governance.

Furthermore, the court’s removal of local government chairmen elected during the October 2024 election has added to the tensions between Wike and Fubara.

The battle between Wike and Fubara has significant implications for Rivers State’s politics, governance, and development.

The power struggle may hinder the state’s progress, as key decisions and projects may be delayed or derailed due to the conflict.

Additionally, the rift between Wike and Fubara may have far-reaching consequences for the state’s political landscape, potentially leading to realignments and factionalism within the ruling party.

Wike, known for his strong personality and influence in Rivers State politics, may not relinquish his grip on power easily.

As the former Governor, he has built a vast network of loyalists and allies, which he may deploy to exert pressure on Fubara’s administration.

On the other hand, Fubara, as the current Governor, has the constitutional mandate to govern the state and may seek to consolidate his power by asserting his authority over Wike’s loyalists.

The struggle for power and influence is a recurring theme, often fueled by personal interests, ethnic and regional loyalty, and the quest for resources.

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