Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured residents that his administration will implement the Supreme Court’s verdict after thoroughly reviewing its Certified True Copy (CTC).

The apex court had, on Friday, nullified the local government elections conducted in the state on 5 October 2024.

In a state broadcast on Sunday, Fubara revealed that he had met with his legal team, who expect to obtain the CTC by Friday, 7 March 2025. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to upholding constitutional principles and acting in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, the governor has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take immediate control of the 23 local government councils across the state, following the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Fubara instructed outgoing council chairmen to formally hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, ensuring a smooth transition until fresh elections can be conducted by the State Electoral Commission.

Amidst ongoing political uncertainties, the governor urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that his administration remains committed to governance and due process.

In a related development, the Supreme Court, in another ruling on Friday, barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant-General of the Federation, and other agencies from disbursing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with previous court orders.

Delivering judgment, Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, on behalf of the five-member panel, dismissed Fubara’s appeal challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The court ordered Amaewhule and other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume sitting immediately.

Below is the full text of Fubara’s broadcast:

STATEWIDE BROADCAST BY THE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR SIMINALAYI FUBARA, GSSRS, ON SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2025, ON THE RECENT JUDGMENTS OF THE SUPREME COURT.

1. My dear people of Rivers State, we are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State.
2. Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.
3. Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.
4. While we are not above mistakes because we are humans, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.
5. Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgments may be available to them by Friday, 7th March, 2025.
6. I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgments, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the State forward.
7. Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
8. I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March 2025.
9. Although our dear State seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens.
10. Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.