In a decisive move following the recent Supreme Court ruling, Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has pledged to fully comply with the court’s judgment, which declared the October 2024 local government elections null and void. The Governor has directed all 23 Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen across the state to hand over their offices immediately to the Heads of Local Government Administration (HODs) until fresh elections are conducted.
The Supreme Court's decision, delivered on 28th February 2025 by Justice Jamilu Tukur, ruled that the elections held on 5th October 2024, through which 23 chairmen and 319 councillors were elected, were invalid. The judgment has thrown the state’s local government administration into uncertainty, but Governor Fubara is taking swift action to restore order.
In a state-wide broadcast on Sunday, 2nd March 2025, Governor Fubara assured residents of Rivers State that the Supreme Court’s ruling will be respected and that the state government will act promptly to implement the judgment. He announced that the HODs would temporarily oversee the affairs of the LGAs until the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) organizes fresh elections.
"I have consulted with my team of legal experts, and they have informed me that the certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment should be available by Friday, 7th March 2025," Fubara stated. "Once we receive the certified judgment, we will carefully review its implications and implement it in full, without hesitation, to ensure the progress of our state."
Governor Fubara's directive leaves no room for ambiguity: the outgoing chairmen are to hand over control to the HODs by Monday, 3rd March 2025. This transition, he emphasized, is in line with the legal framework governing local government administration in Nigeria.
"As the use of caretaker committees in local government administration is prohibited, the HODs will take over immediately to ensure smooth governance until new elections are held," the governor clarified. "The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission will soon announce a new timetable for elections."
Fubara also took the opportunity to reassure citizens that his administration remains committed to upholding the rule of law and constitutional governance, despite the recent legal challenges. He expressed regret over the uncertainty caused by the court ruling but urged the public to remain calm and maintain peace as the state works through the situation.
"We have always conducted the affairs of this government within the boundaries of the constitution and in line with due process," Fubara noted. "While no government is immune to mistakes, we have never intentionally violated the rule of law or the principles of good governance."
Acknowledging the challenges the state now faces, Governor Fubara promised that his administration would continue to strive towards fulfilling its obligations to the people of Rivers State.
"Though these are difficult times for our dear state, I encourage everyone to remain peaceful and continue with their legitimate daily activities," the governor appealed. "We will keep doing everything within our power to ensure that your needs and aspirations are met, even in the face of adversity."
Governor Fubara’s swift and clear response to the Supreme Court ruling highlights his commitment to legal principles and the democratic process. As the state prepares for fresh local government elections, his administration's focus remains on ensuring stability, legality, and continuity in governance.
