- The Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers assembly is loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) and immediate former governor of the state.
The commissioner for information and communication in Rivers, Joseph Johnson, has said that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will prioritise the people’s welfare after reviewing the Supreme court ruling.
In a statement released on Friday addressing the verdict, the commissioner mentioned that the state government has not yet received the complete details of the highest court’s decision.
Earlier on Friday, the supreme court upheld a Federal High Court ruling that prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the accountant-general from disbursing monthly allocations to Rivers State.
The highest court also instructed the Martins Amaewhule-led group in the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with other elected representatives, to reconvene for legislative activities.
The faction led by Amaewhule in the Rivers Assembly remains aligned with Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the state’s immediate past governor.
Additionally, the Supreme Court overturned the local government elections conducted in Rivers State on October 5, 2024, rendering the process null and void.
In the statement, the commissioner emphasised that the state government would decide on further action after thoroughly examining the court’s ruling.
“We have taken note of reports in the media regarding the recent judgment of the Supreme Court concerning the funds of Rivers State and the administration of local governments in the state,” the statement reads.
“At this time, we are awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment. We will carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people.
“Though we have not gotten the details of the judgment from our legal team, we enjoin Rivers people to remain calm and law-abiding and go about our legitimate businesses as we seek clarity on the judgment.
“We believe that the determination of the main issue of the defection of the 27 lawmakers is a matter not before the Supreme Court as it is pending at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
“Since the issue of defection wasn’t on the table before the learned Justices, in their eyes, Amaewhule and the 26 others are still operating as lawmakers until that matter of defection comes before them.”
Johnson further stated that the state remains dedicated to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that Rivers’ interests are protected in “all matters” concerning the state.
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