In a pivotal turn of events in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has taken decisive action following recent Supreme Court judgments that have reshaped the political landscape. Addressing the state in a broadcast on Sunday, Governor Fubara announced a series of measures aimed at upholding the rule of law and ensuring the smooth functioning of local governance. This move comes in the wake of Supreme Court rulings that have touched upon various aspects of the state's political structure, including local government elections and the allocation of state funds.

Governor Fubara's address underscored his administration's commitment to adhering to the Supreme Court's verdicts, despite expressing disagreement with some of the rulings. "We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear state," Fubara stated, emphasizing that "although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders as a law-abiding government." This declaration reflects a pragmatic approach to governance, prioritizing adherence to legal mandates while navigating complex political challenges.

A key directive issued by the governor involves the administration of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State. With the Supreme Court having nullified the local government election held on October 5, 2024, and having outlawed caretaker arrangements, Governor Fubara has instructed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to immediately assume control of the LGAs. This transition is slated to occur by Monday, March 3, 2025, with outgoing local government chairmen directed to formally hand over their responsibilities to the HLGAs. This measure aims to maintain administrative continuity and ensure that local governance structures remain functional pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

The Supreme Court's involvement in Rivers State's political affairs extends beyond local government elections. The apex court overturned a previous judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had upheld the election results, citing a lack of evidence that the conditions outlined in section 150(3) of the Electoral Act were met prior to the polls. Furthermore, the Supreme Court affirmed a federal high court judgment that restricts the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the accountant-general of the federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers State, a decision that impacts the state's financial autonomy.

Adding to the complexity, the Supreme Court has also ordered the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, along with other elected members, to resume their legislative duties. This directive is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing political feud between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which has fueled much of the political crisis in the state.

In light of these developments, Governor Fubara has called for calm among the residents of Rivers State, urging them to "peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities." He assured the public that his administration is dedicated to advancing its responsibilities to the citizens and that the government is diligently studying the certified true copies (CTCs) of the Supreme Court judgments, expected to be available by March 7, 2025. The governor pledged to implement the judgments "without reservations to move the state forward," signaling a commitment to resolving the political crisis and fostering stability in Rivers State.

The unfolding events in Rivers State underscore the intricate interplay between legal rulings, political maneuvering, and governance. As the state navigates this challenging period, the focus remains on upholding the rule of law, ensuring the effective administration of local government, and addressing the underlying political tensions that have shaped the state's recent history. Governor Fubara's actions reflect a delicate balance between compliance with judicial decisions and the pursuit of his administration's goals for the betterment of Rivers State.