FCT Minister Nyesom Wike praised the Supreme Court’s ruling that nullified Rivers State's local government elections and affirmed the 27-member Assembly. He accused Governor Fubara of constitutional violations, declared his appointments invalid, and warned that funds should not be released without a legitimate budget approval.
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has hailed the Supreme Court’s decision to nullify local government elections in Rivers State and affirm the legitimacy of the 27-member House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule. Speaking in Abuja, Wike declared the ruling as a restoration of constitutional order, stating that it puts an end to political impunity in the state.
Wike also criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, accusing them of supporting illegality in Rivers. He insisted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara must comply with the court’s ruling, which he claimed renders all appointments and executive decisions invalid.
Dismissing any notion of a divided legislature, Wike emphasized that the Supreme Court had settled the dispute, affirming the 27 lawmakers as the only legitimate Assembly. He slammed Fubara for demolishing the House of Assembly complex and attempting to govern with just three lawmakers, calling it a blatant violation of the law.
Wike warned that no funds should be released to the Rivers government without approval from the recognized Assembly. He claimed Fubara’s actions, including spending state funds without legislative backing, amount to constitutional violations that could justify impeachment.
Despite this, Wike stated he would not advise lawmakers to impeach the governor but urged Fubara to follow due process and work with the legally recognized Assembly.
