Log In

S'Court judgment: Rivers calm as stakeholders sue for peace

Published 2 weeks ago6 minute read
Siminalayi-Fubara

All eyes are on the governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his next line of action after the Supreme Court judgment on Friday.

The judgment recognised Martins Amaewhule as the authentic speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and 26 other lawmakers as the original members.

The judgment also nullified the budget and stopped all the revenue allocations from the Federation Account pending when the governor would re-present the budget to the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

The apex court also nullified the local government election conducted last year and sacked all the chairmen and councilors.

It was observed at the weekend that all eyes were on the governor to determine his next moves, which many people believe would determine the next political mold of the state.

The state was, however, calm at the weekend as all the parties waited for resumption of work on Monday.

But Fubara listed 10 completed projects for inauguration beginning from Monday.

In a statement signed by his Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, yesterday, the governor said the projects would be inaugurated in 10 days beginning from March 3.

The statement said: “Over the course of 10 days, critical infrastructural projects spanning multiple sectors will be inaugurated, reflecting the administration’s unwavering commitment to development, security and improved service delivery.

*This commissioning schedule encompasses key projects in housing, firefighting and emergency response, security, healthcare, education and judiciary welfare across Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, Khana, Okrika LGAs and Bayelsa State.”

The statement listed the projects to be inaugurated as the Government House Staff Quarters; state fire service headquarters and firefighting vehicles; handing over of helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force; Borokiri Fire Service Station and firefighting vehicles and Rumuodonmaya Fire Service Station and Firefighting Vehicles (Obio/Akpor LGA).

Others are construction and furnishing of the palace and residence of Akpor Monarch, judges’ quarters, Bori General Hospital, Okrika Grammar School, and furnishing, equipping & electrification of the Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa Campus.

The statement said: “This is in line with our administration’s avowed commitment to sustainable development. These projects align with the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, security, education, and improved public service delivery.

“The commissioning will see the active participation of key government officials, community leaders and stakeholders in various sectors.

“The public is therefore encouraged to join in celebrating these significant milestones as the government continues to work towards sustainable development, growth and improved quality of life for all citizens and residents of our cherished Rivers State.”

Senator Magnus Abe at the weekend said the judgment of the Supreme Court did not require any analysis or analyst, insisting it was in plain, simple English.

“There can be no further litigation on the status of the Rivers State House of Assembly in any court in Nigeria,” he said.

He added: “The issue of defection of the lawmakers was carefully considered by the Supreme Court, and the court stated clearly that that argument will not even be considered by the court, because by the date of the said defection, Governor Fubara was already acting in violation of the constitution and in contempt of the lawful order of a court of competent jurisdiction by his own admission.

“The Supreme Court was equally clear, not only is the CBN and the Accountant-General of the Federation prohibited from releasing money to the state, but that the state government itself is prohibited from spending and making expenditures without a budget duly passed by the Amaewhule-led assembly, which is to begin sitting immediately and unhindered.

“The legal road has come to an expected end. The issue is over, finito, finished.”

Abe recalled that he had earlier advised that the governor should negotiate while there was still time.

He said: It may appear that window for negotiation is now very narrow, but it may not be completely closed.

“The Minister of the FCT already hinted at this when he said that he will not advise the house to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor. That is a narrow window, but too much analysis may close it.

“It is time for wisdom to prevail, not empty grandstanding. One thing is now settled in Rivers State: OCJ Okocha, SAN, is a proven legal luminary.”

The Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI) reflected on the court’s decision and said it had brought the state to a crossroads.

Mr. Obinna Ebogidi of RPI advised that all conflicts should be put aside to give peace a chance.

Ebogidi said: “Regardless of our political affiliations or opinions on the ruling, it is clear that this moment affects every one of us.

“It’s a time of great challenge and uncertainty for Rivers State, and if we are not careful, it could deepen the divisions that already threaten to tear us apart.

“But now is not the time for further conflict. Rivers State is bigger than any one individual or group. It is a state built on the labour and sacrifices of countless people over generations.

“It is a place where we all live, where our families grow, where our children dream, and where we must come together to secure a future of peace, prosperity and unity.

“The truth is we have a choice before us: we can choose to escalate the crisis, to let politics continue to divide us, or we can choose a path of reconciliation and cooperation.

“But let me be clear—Rivers State will not survive if we allow our political differences to destroy it. It is not just about political power and relevance; it is about the future of this state and the lives of our people.”

He said the people of Rivers, who survived daily on their honest wages and income, were tired of instability and division.

“What they want is simple—peace, progress, and a future free from fear. They want to see a state that works for them, not a state consumed by endless political battles.

“To the political leaders, regardless of where you stand, we remind you again that now is the time to put the people first. Your actions today will decide whether we build a better tomorrow or continue to spiral into chaos.

“If you truly care about this state and its people, it is time to set aside your differences and come together. Rivers State deserves leadership that puts unity, peace and progress above personal gain.”

Ebogidi called on security agencies to protect the peace and ensure that communities remained safe and that the people of Rivers could live without fear.

He called on them to stay vigilant and strong and do everything within their power to keep the peace.

Addressing the youths, he said: “To the youth of Rivers State, you are the future of this state. Do not let anyone use you for their own purposes.

“Do not let the anger of politics pull you into violence. You are the strength of Rivers, and your courage and wisdom can lead us through this.

“Stand for peace. Stand for unity. Stand for the future of our state.

“Let this moment not define us by conflict. Let it define us by our unity, our commitment to peace, and our resolve to create a better future.

“Rivers State belongs to all of us, let’s protect it, let’s rebuild it and let’s move forward together.”

Witty women

1 hour ago

Witty women

Origin:
publisher logo
The Nation Newspaper
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

You may also like...