The Rivers State Government has clarified that it has not yet received any official communication from the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly regarding its resolution following last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment. This comes after the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill for approval.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, disclosed that the government only became aware of the Assembly’s letter through social media. He emphasized that neither the office of the governor, the deputy governor, nor the state accountant-general had received the document as of the close of work on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
“We hereby refer to a letter dated 3rd March 2025 on the above subject, which we came across on social media, and notify you that, as at the close of work on Tuesday 4th March, 2025, we are yet to receive the said letter,” Danagogo stated.
Awaiting Supreme Court Judgment Details
Dr. Danagogo also revealed that the state government is yet to receive a certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment, which is crucial for formulating an appropriate response. He assured the public that the government is in contact with its legal team and remains committed to acting in the best interest of the people once the judgment is received.
“We have since been in contact with our lawyers, who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgments of the Supreme Court. We hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as His Excellency receives the judgments, he will strive to implement same timeously in the best interest of our people,” he said.
Governor Fubara’s Commitment to Rule of Law
The SSG reiterated Governor Fubara’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, as expressed in his statewide broadcast on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Despite his personal reservations about the Supreme Court’s rulings, the governor had pledged to abide by the decisions in line with the constitution and the welfare of Rivers State residents.
“Please recall that His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, had in a State Broadcast on Sunday 2nd March, 2025, stated clearly that notwithstanding his personal opinion on the Supreme Court Judgments, he will, as a law-abiding Nigerian, obey and implement their decisions in accordance with the rule of law and the best interest of the people of Rivers State,” Danagogo added.
Background of the Crisis
The political tension in Rivers State escalated following the Supreme Court’s judgment on February 28, 2025, which reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly and nullified the local government elections conducted on October 5, 2024.
The court also ordered the seizure of state allocations, further complicating the standoff between the governor and lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Assembly’s 48-hour ultimatum, issued on March 3, 2025, demanded that Governor Fubara present the 2025 budget for approval, warning of consequences if he fails to comply. The ultimatum is set to expire on March 5, 2025.
As the Rivers State Government awaits the official documents, the situation remains tense, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments. The governor’s adherence to the rule of law and his ability to navigate the crisis will be critical in maintaining stability in the state.
The delay in receiving the Supreme Court judgment and the Assembly’s letter highlights the complexities of the political standoff, raising questions about the timeline for resolving the impasse. For now, the government has urged calm and reassured residents of its commitment to acting in their best interest once all necessary documents are received.