The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has welcomed the Supreme Court’s recent judgment regarding Rivers State, which nullified the local government elections and reaffirmed a previous ruling that prohibits the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation from disbursing statutory monthly allocations to the state.
The court also validated the legitimacy of the Martin Amaewhule-led members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, effectively ending impunity in the state.
In a statement issued by Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press in the Office of the Minister, Wike expressed his appreciation for the Supreme Court’s decision, which resolved a prolonged legal dispute. He praised the court’s affirmation of the legislature’s vital role in a democracy and its rejection of any government operating without a duly constituted assembly.
“The Supreme Court has made it clear that you cannot have a democracy without a legislature. It is unheard of where anybody will say three people will constitute an assembly to make laws for the entire state,” Wike said. “What is important is that, can three people make law for a state, not to even talk of appropriation.”
The FCT Minister condemned actions taken by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, which included spending without legislative appropriation, demolishing the House of Assembly building, and appointing commissioners without legislative approval. He described these actions as unacceptable in a democratic society.
“You spent money without appropriation. Who does that? One man will spend trillions of naira without the legislature approving it. What can be considered an infraction more than that? You sat on your own spending state money without any legislative approval. It has never happened. Do you need anybody to tell you now that the Governor has committed an impeachable offence?” Wike said.
He further condemned the governor’s actions, particularly the demolition of the House of Assembly building, which he called an attack on an independent arm of government. “You went on appeal, the Court of Appeal said this is wrong. We can’t continue with this,” he added.
The Minister stressed the necessity of adhering to the rule of law, stating that it is crucial for the country’s progress. He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s ruling effectively recognized a collapse of government in Rivers State due to the absence of a legislative arm.
Wike urged Governor Fubara to respect the Supreme Court’s decision and work with the legitimate legislature, adding that the governor should present the state budget to the recognised House of Assembly.
“Democracy is for everybody. You can’t continue to play as if you are God. You must play by the rules. You can say I will do this, nothing will happen. But something will happen just like it has happened today,” Wike asserted. “The Supreme Court has shown it today that we must allow things to be correct for this country to move forward. For this democracy to survive, things must be done very correctly.”
Wike called on the governor to obey the Supreme Court judgment and work within the bounds of the constitution, stating, “Obey the Supreme Court judgment. Go and present your budget. The legislature means well for the people. It’s not about you carrying sycophants, carrying judicial merchants who will tell you we have contact here. It doesn’t work that way.”
The Minister also urged for peace and respect for the rule of law in Rivers State, calling on all parties to collaborate in restoring stability and good governance. “Rivers people have been very peaceful and patient and let them continue to be patient. But the right thing must be done, nothing more,” he concluded.
Supporters of the FCT Minister gathered at his residence to express solidarity, singing songs of praise in support of his stance.
