PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — The Rivers State government has raised alarm over what it describes as a “bleak future” for the state’s residents, accusing the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly of obstructing the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment on the ongoing political crisis.
The warning came in a statement issued on Monday, March 17, 2025, by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, shortly after the assembly served a notice of gross misconduct to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.
Johnson accused the assembly of deliberately hindering the execution of the Supreme Court’s ruling, which was delivered on 28 February 2025.
“It is now common knowledge that members of the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions, refused to allow the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to fully implement the Supreme Court’s judgment on the prolonged political and legal battle that began after the failed attempt to impeach him on 30 October 2023,” Johnson stated.
The Supreme Court’s ruling addressed critical issues, including the seizure of the state’s federation revenue allocation, the annulment of the 5 October 2024 local government elections, and the re-presentation of the 2025 budget to the Amaewhule-led assembly.
Johnson noted that despite the court’s unexpected comments on the contentious defection issue—which was not formally before the court—Governor Fubara has remained committed to implementing the judgment.
“Governor Fubara has demonstrated his dedication to the rule of law and the welfare of Rivers people by striving to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment, no matter the challenges,” Johnson said.
The commissioner emphasised the governor’s unwavering commitment to peace and his prioritisation of the people’s interests over personal or sectional considerations.
“Since this unjustified onslaught against Governor Fubara began, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to peace and his determination to put the people of Rivers State first,” Johnson added.
The Rivers State government called on the assembly to set aside partisan interests and collaborate with the executive arm to ensure the full implementation of the court’s decision for the benefit of the state.
“We urge the assembly to work with the governor to ensure that the Supreme Court’s judgment is fully implemented, as this is crucial for the development and stability of Rivers State,” Johnson stated.
The political crisis in Rivers State has been a source of tension since the failed impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara in October 2023.
The recent notice of gross misconduct served by the assembly has further escalated the conflict, raising concerns about governance and the rule of law in the state.
As the standoff between the executive and legislative arms of government continues, residents of Rivers State are left in a state of uncertainty.
The government’s warning of a “bleak future” underscores the urgency of resolving the crisis and ensuring that the Supreme Court’s judgment is implemented to safeguard the interests of the people.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has yet to respond to the government’s allegations.
