Supreme Court judgment: Rivers to organise LG election soon – Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has hinted that the state will organise local government election soon in line with the verdict of the Supreme Court.

He assured the people of Rivers state that his administration will implement the Supreme Court’s judgment after carefully reviewing its Certified True Copy (CTC).

The Supreme had in its ruling last week declared the LG election conducted in the state on October 5, 2024, null and void.

In a state broadcast on Sunday, Fubara said that he has met with his legal team, who expect to obtain the CTC by Friday, March 7, 2025.

In obedience to the Supreme Court judgment, the governor has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take immediate control of the 23 local government councils across the state.

Below is the full text:

My dear people of Rivers State,

1. We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State.
2. Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.
3. Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.
4. While we are not above mistakes because we are humans, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.
5. Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgements may be available to them by Friday, 7th March, 2025.
6. I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgements, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the State forward.
7. Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
8. I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March, 2025.
9. Although our dear State seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens.
10. Thank you and may God bless Rivers State.