Rivers State: Opposition legislators commend Gov. Fubara for his adherence to the Supreme Court’s ruling

A coalition of opposition lawmakers has lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s adherence to the Supreme Court’s ruling concerning the local government area (LGA) elections.

The lawmakers also praised Fubara’s decision to appoint heads of personnel to manage the councils, in accordance with the court’s directive, pending the organization of new elections, as a clear indication of the governor’s dedication as a democrat.

In a statement released on Sunday by the opposition spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the group commended Fubara for his democratic stance, despite provocations from factions loyal to the former Governor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The lawmakers described Fubara’s actions as a testament to his respect for the rule of law and his commitment to upholding democratic principles, while noting that the illegal defection of the ousted 27 pro-Wike lawmakers remains unresolved as the matter is still pending in the Appeal Court. Until a decision is rendered, the opposition lawmakers will not recognize the defected former lawmakers who, according to the constitution, have automatically forfeited their seats.

The coalition also clarified that the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, “remain constitutionally dismissed” until higher courts deliver judgments on the pending cases challenging the legality of their defection. “The Court of Appeal and Supreme Court have yet to issue rulings on their illegal defection. Until then, their seats remain vacant,” Ugochinyere emphasized.

He further announced that the opposition coalition would formally address the nation after obtaining the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment to outline their position on other contentious issues in the state’s political crisis. Ugochinyere urged calm among residents, assuring them that the opposition remains committed to pursuing legal and peaceful resolutions to uphold constitutional order.