The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn following the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday, which recognized Hon. Martin Amaehwule and 26 other lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In its judgment, the apex court also ordered the suspension of federal allocations to Rivers State until Governor Siminalayi Fubara re-presents the 2025 budget before the Amaehwule-led Assembly. Additionally, the court nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections in the state.
Acting on the Supreme Court’s directive to resume legislative functions unhindered, the Rivers State House of Assembly convened on Monday and issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Fubara to re-submit the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
In a letter signed by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaehwule and addressed to the governor, the Assembly cited Supreme Court judgments in suits SC/CV/1174/2024 and SC/CV/1105/2024, delivered on February 28, 2025. The letter further stated that the House would proceed on a 12-week recess from March 7, 2025, while standing committees would continue their statutory duties.
Speaker Amaehwule emphasized that the resolution was aimed at resolving the current financial deadlock caused by the absence of an Appropriation Law.
The letter reads in part:
“At the 130th legislative day of the second session of the tenth Rivers State House of Assembly held on Monday, March 3, 2025, the House deliberated on the Supreme Court judgments in suits SC/CV/1174/2024 and SC/CV/1105/2024, delivered on February 28, 2025. In line with the court’s directive halting statutory federal allocations and state spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund pending the passage of an Appropriation Bill, you are requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
The Assembly also referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling nullifying the October 5, 2024, local government elections due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act. Consequently, it announced plans to amend the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018 and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law No. 2 of 2018 to align with the Electoral Act and facilitate fresh local government elections.
Additionally, the House reminded the governor of constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court ruling in suit SC/CV/343/2024, which prohibits the administration of local governments by unelected officials.
Concluding the letter, the lawmakers urged Governor Fubara to act swiftly, stating:
“Our resolutions are aimed at swiftly resolving the financial crisis caused by the absence of an Appropriation Law. We do not want the people of Rivers State to suffer. Therefore, we urge you to act promptly in the best interest of the state.”
