In a historic statewide address on Sunday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State delivered his first public statement following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling that nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections. The governor announced decisive action, directing Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to immediately assume control of all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the state, pending fresh elections to be conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The Supreme Court’s judgment, delivered on February 28, 2025, declared the previous local government elections invalid due to procedural violations by RSIEC, effectively dissolving the councils formed from that poll.
In response, Governor Fubara, speaking from the Government House in Port Harcourt, assured Rivers residents that his administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law and constitutional governance.
We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments regarding the lingering political disputes in our dear state
My dear people of Rivers State, we are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments regarding the lingering political disputes in our dear state,” Fubara said in his broadcast.
“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government. I have directed the Heads of Local Government Administration to take immediate control of the 23 LGAs until fresh elections are conducted by RSIEC.”
The governor also addressed the timeline for implementing the apex court’s ruling in full, revealing that his legal team expects to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment by Friday, March 7, 2025. “I have met with my lawyers, and they have assured me that the CTC will be available by Friday. Once we have carefully reviewed it, we will take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s verdict,” he pledged, signaling a methodical approach to navigating the state’s political crisis.
Fubara’s directive marks a significant shift in the administration of Rivers State’s local governments, replacing outgoing chairmen—many of whom were loyalists of the governor’s political rival, former Governor Nyesom Wike—with civil servants tasked with maintaining stability.
We have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process, and the rule of law since inception
The move has sparked widespread speculation about its implications for the ongoing power struggle between Fubara and Wike, whose influence persists through the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, reinstated by the same Supreme Court ruling.
In a nod to democratic principles, Fubara reiterated his administration’s intention to organize fresh elections as soon as practicable. “We have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process, and the rule of law since inception,” he emphasized. “This takeover is a temporary measure to ensure governance continues seamlessly while we prepare for a new electoral process.”
The governor’s broadcast comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, with the Supreme Court’s additional decision to bar federal allocations to the state government—pending compliance with prior court orders—adding financial pressure to Fubara’s administration. Political analysts suggest this could limit his maneuverability, while Wike’s camp celebrates what they view as a legal victory.
This takeover is a temporary measure to ensure governance continues seamlessly while we prepare for a new electoral process
As Rivers residents await the CTC and the promised elections, Fubara called for calm and unity. “We will not waver in our commitment to the people of Rivers State,” he concluded. “This is a time for us to stand together as we move forward in line with the law.”
The coming days promise further developments as the state navigates this unprecedented chapter, with all eyes on how Fubara balances legal obligations, political rivalries, and the expectations of Rivers citizens.
