Rivers govt accuses state Assembly of blocking S’Court judgment implementation

The Rivers State Government has accused the State House of Assembly of obstructing Governor Siminalayi Fubara from fully implementing a recent Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt on Monday, Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, stated that despite the verdict not favoring Governor Fubara, he remained committed to upholding the court’s decision.

However, he alleged that the State Assembly had deliberately put up obstacles to frustrate the implementation process.

The Supreme Court ruling, which has sparked political tension in the state, is expected to have significant implications for governance in Rivers State.

Johnson stated:

“It is now common knowledge that members of the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions, refused to allow the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir (Dr.) Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, to fully implement the Supreme Court’s judgment on the prolonged political and legal battle that began after the failed attempt to impeach him on October 30, 2023.”

He further emphasised Governor Fubara’s commitment to peace and prioritising the interests of the people over personal or sectional considerations.

“Since this unjustified onslaught against Governor Fubara began, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to peace and his determination to put the people of Rivers State first,” Johnson said.

The commissioner also referenced the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025, ruling on critical issues, including the seizure of the state’s federation revenue allocation, the annulment of the October 5, 2024, local government elections, and the re-presentation of the 2025 budget to the Amaewhule-led assembly.

He added:

“Despite the unfavorable aspects of the Supreme Court’s judgment—particularly its unexpected comments on the contentious defection issue, which was never formally before the court—Governor Fubara has remained committed to fully implementing the ruling, no matter the challenges.”