Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended the Supreme Court for its ruling on Friday, which annulled the recent local government elections in Rivers State and recognised the legitimacy of the 27-member State Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule.
Wike, while speaking to journalists in Abuja after the decision, emphasised that the Supreme Court’s verdict marks a significant end to the culture of impunity in Rivers State.
The former governor of Rivers State also criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, accusing them of tacitly endorsing lawlessness in the State.
Wike asserted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara must adhere to the Supreme Court’s ruling, as it is the ultimate legal authority concerning the issue at hand.
The ruling is seen as a pivotal development amid the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, reinforcing the authority of the Amaewhule-led State Assembly while invalidating the disputed local government elections.
“I have always said that the wheels of justice turns slowly, but they turn. After more than 15 months, this matter has been laid to rest by the highest court of the land,” Wike said.
“The only thing that can happen now is for everyone to appeal to God, if there is an opportunity for you to do so. The Supreme Court has made it very clear that you cannot have a democracy without a legislature.
“It is unheard of for anyone to suggest that three people can constitute an assembly to make laws for an entire state. This has nothing to do with any individual, whether you like this person’s face or not. What is important is whether three people can make laws for a state, especially when it comes to appropriation,” he added.
Wike noted that the Federal High Court had initially allowed the arrangement, but now it has been set aside. “A governor cannot dissolve the legislature and act as if nothing has happened. The independent arm of government should not be disregarded.”
He continued, “This is not about Wike, but about whether anyone can demolish another arm of government without consequences. You cannot gather three people to sit in the government house, create laws, and spend state funds as if nothing is wrong.”
Wike emphasised that the Court of Appeal condemned this practice, stating, “We cannot continue like this. There were petitions against the justices of the Federal High Court. Judgments were handed down by Justice Omotosho and Justice Abdulmalik.”
He reiterated that without a valid appropriation, state funds cannot be spent. “It’s critical for us to uphold the rule of law,” he stated.
Wike he expressed disappointment that his statements often led to accusations against him, he maintained that the ruling was a source of happiness for the people of Rivers.
“It is a victory for Nigerians that the apex court has declared that this impunity must stop. Enough is enough; we cannot continue like this,” he declared.
He reflected on the local government situation, reiterating that a governor, who took an oath to uphold the constitution, publicly criticized the judiciary. “Thank God, today, the apex court has spoken,” Wike said, emphasizing that no funds should be released without an accompanying budget presented to the appropriate assembly, which consists of the 27 members.
Wike urged that violations of the Electoral Act in conducting local government elections cannot go unchecked. “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) insisted on compliance, but the governor refused,” he noted.
He then called for accountability: “I hope that politicians like Atiku and the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum will recognise this ruling. The Supreme Court has insisted that we must protect our democracy.
“If this is allowed to continue, eventually, one member could constitute an assembly, which is unimaginable. We must commend the judiciary for its boldness and firmness in rejecting this impunity.”
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