Supreme Court Verdicts Spark Rising Political Tension in Rivers State- Timi Frank

The recent Supreme Court rulings nullifying the November 2024 Rivers State local government elections and ordering the suspension of statutory allocations to the state have sparked widespread unrest and uncertainty. The decisions have triggered protests, particularly among the Ijaw ethnic group, who have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the February 28, 2025, verdicts.

The reinstatement of 27 lawmakers, as mandated by the court, has further deepened the political crisis. The lawmakers, who were previously removed from office after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), have given Governor Siminalayi Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill. However, many see this demand as an attempt to undermine the governor’s authority.

Despite these challenges, Governor Fubara has remained steadfast in his commitment to serving the people of Rivers State. He has focused on protecting the interests of the state, prioritizing governance despite growing opposition. His leadership has been marked by transparency and resilience, as demonstrated by his swift directive for the 23 sacked local government chairmen to hand over to their respective Heads of Personnel Management, pending fresh council elections.

The escalating political tension has led to calls for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention to prevent further instability. Rivers State, as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy, is too critical to be left in turmoil. Stakeholders argue that a lasting solution must be found to address the deepening crisis and restore stability.

Governor Fubara has urged Rivers residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities while he awaits the certified true copy of the Supreme Court ruling. He has assured the public that his actions will be guided by the content of the judgment and the best interests of the state. However, he has made it clear that he will not be pressured into decisions that compromise the welfare of Rivers people.

In his statewide broadcast, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the court’s decisions, provided they do not jeopardize the stability and progress of the state. He also warned against any attempts to impeach him, calling for peace and cooperation to move Rivers State forward. The pending legal battle over the legitimacy of the reinstated lawmakers remains a significant issue, with the case currently before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

The situation in Rivers State raises broader concerns about the role of the judiciary in upholding democracy and justice. A compromised judiciary weakens democratic institutions and allows political manipulation to thrive. If the crisis is not resolved fairly and justly, it could set a dangerous precedent for governance in Nigeria.

Observers warn that failure to address the political turmoil in Rivers State through lawful and transparent means could erode public trust in the democratic process. As the crisis unfolds, all eyes are on the federal government and judiciary to ensure that justice, fairness, and stability prevail.