The Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers has declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will continue to steer governance in Rivers State despite Friday’s Supreme Court ruling.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere emphasized that the court’s decision, which ordered the reinstatement of the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, does not affect Fubara’s authority as governor.
He also reassured that governance at the grassroots level would remain intact, despite the court’s decision to nullify the local government elections.
The Supreme Court’s verdict reinstated an earlier judgment barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing statutory allocations to Rivers State.
The ruling also directed the pro-Wike faction of the state assembly to resume legislative duties immediately.
However, opposition lawmakers expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing that the decision could have negative consequences for the people of Rivers State.
Ugochinyere pointed out that the court did not address the legality of the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a case currently before the Appeal Court.
Ugochinyere criticized the Supreme Court for appearing to legitimize the pro-Wike lawmakers, insisting that their defection remains unconstitutional and is still being contested in court.
“It is surprising that the Supreme Court faulted the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal for lifting the initial order that stopped the release of funds to Rivers State on the grounds that Governor Fubara did not re-present the 2024 budget before the sacked faction of the House of Assembly,” Ugochinyere stated.
He maintained that until the Appeal Court delivers its judgment on the legality of the lawmakers’ defection, Fubara remains firmly in charge of governance in Rivers.
“To those who are power-hungry, let it be clear that the 27 defected lawmakers have lost their legitimacy. They should not celebrate yet—it is not yet uhuru!” he declared.
