The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ridiculed former vice president Atiku Abubakar, and Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDPGF) Chairman, Bala Mohammed following the Supreme Court ruling that went against the Rivers State government.
The minister questioned whether Atiku and Mohammed would continue to praise Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara for disregarding court orders, as they had previously done, now that the Supreme Court had intervened.
In a ruling delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim on Friday, the Supreme Court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to halt fund allocations to the Rivers State government.
The court stated that the restriction would remain until Fubara ceases all illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional activities.
Additionally, the Supreme Court ruled that funds could only be released to the Rivers State government once a lawful Appropriation Law is enacted under the Martin Amaewhule-led Speakership.
The judgment also reinstated the 27 members of the Rivers House of Assembly, directing them to resume their legislative duties immediately.
Reacting to the ruling, Wike described it as a confirmation that lawlessness in Rivers State must end.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, he remarked, “These are some of the things we see in this country, when you say something, people will start to cry blackmail and many would fall into the trap.”
He added, “For me, it’s happiness for Rivers people and Nigerians that yes, this impunity must stop, enough is enough. You are aware when the issue of local government came up, a governor elected who has taken oath to abide by the constitution, came out to say that it’s a corrupt judgment.”
Wike expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s stance, stating, “But we thank God, today the apex court had said it all, go back you have no budget; Central Bank and Accountant General, you can’t continue to release money when there is no government. Until you present your budget to the appropriate assembly, which is the 27 members, no money should be released.”
He also criticised Fubara’s refusal to comply with electoral laws concerning local government elections, saying, “You refused to follow the electoral act in terms of conducting the local government election, what was the issue? INEC doesn’t release voters’ register if you don’t comply with court given order, you said no that you won’t obey and Nigerians were clapping.”
Mocking Atiku and Bala Mohammed, Wike questioned their stance in light of the apex court’s ruling.
“People like Atiku were hailing that yes you have done well, I hope they will also hail him today. I hope the Chairman of PDP governors forum will also hail him today.” he said.
Wike concluded by stressing the importance of upholding democratic principles, stating, “The Supreme Court has said enough is enough, we must not truncate our democracy. If they had allowed this, one day one member would constitute an assembly and there is nothing you can do.”
