Olusegun Ariyo
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has stated that his government will implement the recent Supreme Court judgment on the state’s lingering political crisis without reservation.
Fubara said that although his government disagrees with the judgment, they are bound to obey it as a law-abiding administration.
The governor made this statement on Sunday in a broadcast on AIT.
The apex court had ruled that funds would be released to Fubara’s government only when a lawful Appropriation Law is enacted under the Martin Amaewhule Speakership.
In the judgment delivered on Friday by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, the Supreme Court also ordered the 27 members of the Rivers House of Assembly to resume their functions immediately.
Reacting to the ruling, Fubara directed the head of administration to take over the management of local government affairs in the state until the next council elections are held.
The governor said: “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgment and pronouncement regarding the lingering political crisis in our dear state. Although we disagree with the judgment, we are bound to obey it as a law-abiding government.
“We have conducted the affairs of our government within the framework of our constitution and the rule of law. While we are not above mistakes because we are human, we have not, as a government, trampled on the rule of law.
“I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they assured me that the certified true copy of the judgment may be available to me on Friday.
“I assure you that upon its receipt, we will implement the judgment without any reservation to move the state forward.
“I further direct that the head of administration should take over the conduct of local government affairs.”
