Rivers Governor Fubara dismisses impeachment fears despite Supreme Court ruling favouring pro-Wike lawmakers and withholding state funds

[dropcap]R[/dropcap]ivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed concerns over a possible impeachment following the Supreme Court’s ruling recognising 27 lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike.

Also read: Rivers State Governor Fubara unveils betrayal in peace accord with Pro-Wike lawmakers

The court’s verdict, delivered on Friday, ordered the Federal Government to withhold Rivers State’s financial allocations until Fubara presents the state budget to the pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule.

It also nullified last year’s local government elections conducted by Fubara, further shifting the balance of power in the state’s political crisis.

The political rift between Governor Fubara and his former ally, Wike, began in October 2023 when the state assembly split into two factions.

The pro-Wike lawmakers attempted to impeach Fubara, a move that escalated tensions and led to an explosion at the Assembly complex.

In response, Fubara rejected the 27 defected lawmakers and presented the 2024 and 2025 budgets to the four lawmakers loyal to him.

However, the Supreme Court ruled Fubara’s actions illegal, directing him to submit the budget to the pro-Wike lawmakers.

Despite this setback, Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, dismissed impeachment fears, insisting that the governor remains focused on governance.

“Afraid of what? The governor has the mandate of the Rivers people. He will obey the law and respect the sanctity of the law,”

On whether Fubara would comply with the Supreme Court’s directive, Johnson said the state government was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before making a decision.

Meanwhile, Rivers elders have advised Fubara against seeking reconciliation with Wike. High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a member of the Rivers Elders Forum, stated that the state would not succumb to pressure.

“Rivers State cannot beg anybody in this matter. The Federal Government and Supreme Court want to see what will happen. At the appropriate time, they will,” he said.

In a statewide broadcast on Sunday, Fubara directed the 23 local government chairmen elected last year to hand over their offices by Monday, in compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.

The governor ordered the Heads of Local Government Administration to oversee the councils until fresh elections are held.

“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey them as a law-abiding government,” Fubara stated.

The governor reassured Rivers residents that his administration remains committed to governance despite the political turmoil.

Tensions are rising as speculation grows that the ousted local government chairmen loyal to Wike may attempt to reclaim their positions.

The pro-Wike lawmakers had previously extended their tenure by six months, bypassing Fubara’s authority. This move led to violent clashes at several council headquarters.

One of the former chairmen, Dr Samuel Nwanosike, hinted at awaiting further instructions from the pro-Wike Assembly.

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“By the Supreme Court ruling, I remain the chairman of Ikwerre LGA. However, we will wait for the Rivers State House of Assembly to make a pronouncement,” he said.