Supreme Court Ruling: Fubara to Continue Governance in Rivers - Ikenga Ugochinyere

The Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers has asserted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will remain at the helm of governance in Rivers State, despite the recent Supreme Court ruling on Friday, as reported by Daily post.

According to the coalition, the ruling, which voided the local government elections, will not disrupt the governance or welfare of the people at the grassroots level, as the government’s primary responsibility is to the citizens.

Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the opposition lawmakers, addressed the media in response to the Supreme Court ruling, which included a directive for the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume sittings immediately.

The Court also reinstated its previous order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers State.

While Ugochinyere acknowledged the judgment, he disagreed with the implications, arguing that the ruling could negatively impact the people of Rivers.

He pointed out that the case regarding the legality of the 27 lawmakers’ defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was still pending at the Court of Appeal, making it surprising that the Supreme Court would deliver a verdict without considering this critical issue.

“The case challenging the legality of the decampment is still at the Appeal Court, and it is concerning that the Supreme Court would legitimize the lawmakers’ actions before this matter is resolved,” Ugochinyere stated.

Despite the ruling, he emphasized that Governor Fubara would continue to drive governance, and the opposition would challenge any action that could harm the people of Rivers State.

The legal battle surrounding the defection of the lawmakers remains ongoing, adding further complexity to the political landscape of Rivers State.