Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed concerns over a possible impeachment following the Supreme Court’s ruling, which reaffirmed the authority of 27 lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike.
The Supreme Court, in its ruling on Friday, ordered the Federal Government to halt financial allocations to Rivers State until Fubara submits the state budget to the pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule.
The ruling also nullified the local government elections conducted by Fubara’s administration in 2024.
Despite the judgment, Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, dismissed any fear of impeachment, stating that the governor remains focused on governance and the will of the people.
“The governor is not afraid. He has the mandate of the Rivers people. We are proceeding with the inauguration of projects, and the Supreme Court did not remove him—it only placed a temporary hold on state allocations,” Johnson said.
Asked whether Fubara would comply with the order to present the budget before the pro-Wike lawmakers, Johnson explained that the government would study the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before making any decision.
Meanwhile, the Rivers Elders Forum has cautioned against any undue pressure on the governor to seek reconciliation with Wike.
Speaking on behalf of the group, High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe stated that Rivers people would not succumb to intimidation.
“Rivers State will not beg anyone. We will not allow the state to be taken over by external forces,” Sara-Igbe said.
In a statewide broadcast on Sunday, Fubara directed all 23 local government chairmen elected under the annulled poll to vacate their offices by Monday.
He instructed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take charge pending new elections.
“Given the Supreme Court’s decision, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to assume control of the councils until fresh elections are conducted,” Fubara stated.
He acknowledged disagreement with the judgment but emphasized that his administration would comply with the law while reviewing its legal options.
Tensions remain high in Rivers State amid speculations that the former LG chairmen may attempt to reclaim their positions.
Some, like Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, have indicated that they will await further directives from the pro-Wike lawmakers.
