By Abba -Eku Onyeka, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgment nullifying the local government elections in Rivers State.
The apex court also reinstated the judgment barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to the state.
In a press statement from Director of Press Office of the Minister Anthony Ogunleye on Friday, Wike expressed gratitude for the Supreme Court’s decision, which resolves a prolonged legal dispute.
He emphasized the court’s affirmation of the legislature’s essential role in a democracy and the illegitimacy of a government operating without a properly constituted assembly.
The Supreme Court’s judgment equally affirmed the Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers House of Assembly members as valid lawmakers.
The court directed the CBN and the Accountant General of the Federation to halt the release of funds to the Rivers State Government until an Appropriation Bill is presented to the properly constituted House.
The Honourable Minister has continued to strongly condemned the actions of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, following the Supreme Court’s judgment on the state’s local government elections and legislative assembly.
Wike emphasized that the Supreme Court has made it clear that a democracy cannot exist without a legislature, and that three people cannot constitute an assembly to make laws for an entire state.
Wike criticized Fubara’s actions, including expenditure without appropriation, demolition of the House of Assembly building, and appointment of Commissioners without legislative approval, describing them as unacceptable in a democratic society.
He stated, “You spent money without appropriation. Who does that? One man will spend trillions of naira without the legislature approving it. What can be considered an infraction more than that?” Wike also questioned whether Fubara’s actions constituted an impeachable offence.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, has ordered all appointees not screened by the House to leave office immediately, describing their occupation of offices as “criminal” .
Amaewhule also commended the Judiciary and expressed gratitude to Wike, acknowledging him as the political leader of Rivers State .
The Supreme Court’s ruling has been seen as a victory for democracy and the rule of law in Rivers State.
Wike emphasized the importance of adhering to the rule of law, stating that it’s the only way the country will move forward.
He noted that the Supreme Court’s pronouncement effectively recognized a collapse of government in Rivers State without the legislative arm of government.
Wike urged the Rivers State Governor to respect the apex court’s decision and work with the legitimate legislature, adding that the Governor should present the state budget to the recognized House of Assembly.
The FCT Minister stressed that democracy is for everyone and that leaders must play by the rules. He cautioned against bulldozing one’s way, emphasizing that the Supreme Court has shown that things must be done correctly for the country to move forward.
Wike encouraged the Governor to obey the Supreme Court judgment and present the budget, emphasizing that the legislature means well for the people.
In conclusion, Wike called for peace and adherence to the rule of law in Rivers State, encouraging all parties to respect the judicial process and work towards restoring stability and good governance.
He commended the people of Rivers State for their patience and encouraged them to continue being peaceful, while emphasizing that the right thing must be done.
Supporters of Wike thronged his home in solidarity, singing songs of praise to God.
