The Supreme Court ruling on the crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly has ended impunity in the oil-rich state, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said on Friday.
The apex court in its ruling on Friday, barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation and other agencies from releasing funds to the government of Rivers State until it purges itself of what the court describes as flagrant disobedience to court orders.
The five-man panel of the court unanimously dismissed the cross-appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara challenging the validity of the House of Assembly presided over by Martin Amaewhule as the Speaker.
The Supreme Court also nullified the recent local government elections the state, declaring the election invalid for grossly violating the Electoral Act.
Shortly after the verdict, the minister briefed reporters and hailed the judiciary for upholding the rule of law.
“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,” Wike said.
“You failed to follow the Electoral Act in terms of conducting local government elections. People were hailing him (Governor Siminalyi Fubara) ‘Yes you have done well.”