Ethnic violence, hostilities , bloodletting, crisis, politically motivated killings and other forms of insecurity could engulf the Niger Delta Region especially Oil rich Rivers State with the interpretation and implementation of the landmark supreme court judgement on rivers assembly leadership legitimacy and local government administrators crisis.
The Supreme court judgement favours the Nyesom Wike Camp.
The Apex court has forbidden the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from disbursing funds to the Rivers State government.
This decision comes in response to the state’s blatant disregard for court orders. The supreme court justices unanimously dismisses Governor Fubara’s Appeal.
The Apex Court Orders Immediate Resumption of Speaker Amaewhule to reconvene the Rivers State House of Assembly with all elected members. This decision was made in light of Governor Fubara’s actions, which the court deemed an affront to the democratic process.
The court criticized Governor Fubara for presenting an appropriation bill to a four-man House of Assembly, effectively denying twenty-eight constituencies representation. This move was seen as a blatant disregard for a court order mandating the governor was mandated to re-present the 2024 appropriation bill before a validly constituted Assembly.
The court also condemned Governor Fubara’s demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, labeling it an act of indiscipline and excessive use of executive power aimed at frustrating the Assembly’s operations.
The supreme court judgement has sent shockwaves across state. Some jubilating and anticipatory of regaining both political and administrative control whilst the other camp is apparently in dissaray and melancholy.
Attempt to implement or execute the supreme court judgement may face some resistance and political manuevering.
The political gladiators in the state seems to have maintain alliances based on ethnic affiliations.
Rivers Governor Sir Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara, born 28 January 1975, previously served as Accountant general of the Rivers State, Nigeria. He is an Ibani-Ijaw ethnic nationality, and was born in Opobo Town in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Most of Fubara’s supporters are from his own ethnic group, domain and region.
The Ijaws are threatening fire and brimstone should Fubara be Impeached, that could be a recipe for blood letting
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON is a Nigerian politician and lawyer and currently the minister of the Federal Capital Territory. He was Intermediate past governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023. The grand and game master with high political influence and as alleged the tormentor and mastermind of Fubara’s travails.
Wike is believed to be master strategist and a courageous political guru. Known for fighting political battles but winning many if not all. A dogged fighter. Fought Rotimi Ameachi, Atiku Abubakar, Uche Secondus and Mony others.
Martins Chike Amaewhule is according to the supreme court the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He is representing the assembly constituency of Obio-Akpor I. He was a member of the Rivers State People’s Democratic Party and now declared as a member of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress Party .
Both Wike and Amaewhule are from the same local government area and same ethnic group.
Majority of the war lords, ex militants and agitators, Ateke Tom, Tompolo, Boyloaf, Egberi Papa, Asari Dokubo etc are of Ijaw and kalabari ethnic group and opposed to Fubara’s Impeachment.
Rivers State is a culturally rich and diverse region, home to numerous ethnic groups.
Ijaw:- One of the largest ethnic groups in the state, primarily inhabiting the riverine areas.-
Ikwerre:- Mainly found in the northern parts of the state, they are known for their vibrant culture and traditions
Ogoni:- Resident in the southern areas, the Ogoni people have a distinct language and customs.
Ekpeye:- Located in the northern region, Ekpeye people are recognized for their expertise in farming and fishing.
Ogba:- Primarily found in the central areas, Ogba people are known for their rich cultural heritage.
Kalabari:- Inhabiting the riverine areas, Kalabari people are renowned for their skill in fishing and boat-building.
Since the supreme court judgement , tongues have been wagging. It’s an atmosphere of uncertainty and palpable fear.
Despite the volatility of the unfolding scenario, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, has urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminialayi Fubara without delay.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization that represents the interests of the Igbo people, an ethnic group from southeastern Nigeria.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo was founded in 1976 with the aim of promoting Igbo culture, language, and traditions, as well as advocating for the rights and interests of the Igbo people.
In a statement released on February 28, 2025, Ohanaeze applauded the Supreme Court of Nigeria’s verdict, which directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to suspend financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.
The organization hailed the ruling as a victory for the people of Rivers State, who have suffered under Fubara’s administration, and as a decisive stand against executive recklessness.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo heralds this judgment as an end to the unconstitutional actions that have defined Governor Fubara’s administration. We call on the Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings immediately,” the statement read.
The statement, signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia, National Public Secretary, accused Fubara of multiple impeachable offenses.
These offenses include demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, which obstructed 27 lawmakers from performing their duties, and attempting to govern with only four legislators, undermining democracy and hiding behind presidential immunity to engage in unconstitutional actions that cripple governance.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim and a five-member panel led by Justice Musa Uwani Aba-Aji, declared Fubara’s actions illegal and ordered the immediate reinstatement of the 27 affected lawmakers.
Ohanaeze urged the Rivers State Assembly led by RT Hon Martin Amaewhule to take swift action, establish a disciplinary committee led by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, and restore democratic order.”
ireport247new keep tab on the unfolding developments in Rivers State. We hope lasting peace would be restored.
