Rivers Plans To Implement S/Court Decision – Fubara

• Says LG elections will hold soon; directs outgoing Council Chairmen to handover immediately to Heads of Local Government Administration

By PHC Telegraph

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has vowed that his government will implement the pronouncement of the Supreme Court on the Rivers crisis which has come under severe attack from various quarters across the country.

Already, Chairmen of the 23 local government councils in the State have been directed to handover the reins of power to Heads of Local Government Administration tomorrow.

“Given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system”, Fubara declared, “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.

“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.”

The Governor who urged Rivers people to remain calm said in a state broadcast Sunday evening that although the ruling of the Supreme Court was not acceptable, the Government would implement its decisions.

But he said that his administration would comply fully after studying a certified true copy of the judgement.

“We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State.

“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.

“Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Governor Fubara acknowledged that the decision of the apex court appears to be raising tension among the people but he urged them to remain calm.

“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”, he added.