The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised the Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law in Rivers State, declaring that the judiciary has demonstrated boldness in resisting “impunity.”
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Wike reacted to the Supreme Court’s judgment, which affirmed the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly as the state’s legally constituted legislative body. The court also ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation must halt budgetary allocations to Rivers State until a valid Appropriation Act is passed by the Assembly.
Additionally, the Supreme Court nullified the state’s local government elections held on October 5, 2024, citing violations of relevant laws.
🔹 Wike’s Reaction:
“We must commend the judiciary for being bold and firm in stating that this impunity will not be allowed to continue in Rivers,” Wike stated.
He criticized the idea of a three-member Assembly making laws and approving budgets for the entire state, calling it a threat to democracy.
🔹 On the State Government’s Actions:
Wike accused the Rivers government of spending the 2024 budget without proper legislative approval and appointing commissioners without a legal backing from the Assembly—actions he described as impeachable offences.
However, he advised lawmakers against impeachment proceedings, instead urging them to focus on ensuring governance is done correctly.
🔹 On the Supreme Court’s Verdict:
The minister expressed satisfaction that the court reinforced the principle that a government cannot exist without a legislature and welcomed the ruling that nullified the local government elections over legal breaches.
With this judgment, the power struggle in Rivers State may now take a new turn as stakeholders react to the Supreme Court’s decisive ruling.
