PORT HARCOURT, March 3, 2025 – Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately assume control of the 23 local government areas, pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). This directive follows last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment, which nullified the previous local government elections and upheld the legitimacy of the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers as the authentic Rivers State House of Assembly.
Governor Fubara, in a statewide broadcast from Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday evening, emphasized that the transition was necessary given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in local government administration.
Directive to Outgoing Chairmen
Fubara further instructed all outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over to the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) by Monday, March 3, 2025.
“Given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, 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,” Fubara declared.
While expressing discontent with the ruling, Fubara affirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“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.”
The governor revealed that his legal team expects to receive the certified true copy of the judgment by Friday, March 7, 2025, after which the government will fully analyze and implement its implications.
This latest development comes amid escalating political tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Supreme Court intervention has significantly reshaped the state’s power dynamics, intensifying the standoff between factions loyal to both leaders.
The root cause of the crisis lies in political control struggles, with Wike and Fubara at odds over governance strategies and influence within the state’s political structure. Governor Fubara has consistently highlighted internal party disagreements and governance differences as key sources of their fractured relationship.
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Legislative Disputes and Fiscal Ramifications
The legislative arm has also been deeply affected by the crisis, with lawmakers clashing over the legitimacy of executive decisions, including the state budget presentation. A court ruling mandated that Governor Fubara’s budget be presented exclusively to a specific faction of the Assembly, further widening divisions among legislators.
In a move signaling the gravity of the crisis, the Supreme Court has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to halt allocations to Rivers State, raising concerns about the state’s financial stability and the potential impact on public services and governance.
Amid the growing political turmoil, stakeholders and citizens are urging dialogue and reconciliation. Many emphasize the need to prioritize state development and governance over partisan conflicts.
Governor Fubara reassured residents of his administration’s commitment to good governance despite the challenges, urging calm and stability.
“Although our dear state seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens,” Fubara stated.
Observers hope that strict adherence to judicial rulings and constructive engagement among political actors will pave the way for a lasting resolution to the crisis in Rivers State.
