BREAKING: Fubara agrees to hold fresh LG election after S’Court ruling

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pomised to comply with the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which annulled the local government elections held in the state on October 5, 2024.

Following the court’s Friday verdict, which declared the elections invalid, Fubara assured the public that his administration would implement the judgment after thoroughly reviewing the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s decision.

In a statewide address on Sunday, Fubara confirmed he had consulted with his legal team and expects to receive the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025. He reiterated that his government is dedicated to upholding the rule of law and will act in accordance with the court’s directive.

To comply with the ruling, the governor instructed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume responsibility for the management of the state’s 23 local government councils. This follows the Supreme Court’s decision to annul the October 5, 2023, elections. The governor emphasized that civil servants would temporarily oversee local government affairs until fresh elections are organized by the State Electoral Commission. Outgoing local government chairmen have also been directed to formally hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025.

Despite the political turbulence surrounding the elections, Fubara called for calm and reassured citizens that his administration remains committed to effective governance and adherence to legal processes.

In a separate ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies to withhold funding from Rivers State until the government rectifies its contempt of court orders.

Additionally, the court dismissed a cross-appeal filed by Governor Fubara that sought to challenge the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is headed by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The court’s ruling reaffirmed the Assembly’s legitimacy and directed Speaker Amaewhule to resume his duties immediately, along with other members of the legislative body.