Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has mocked former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and the PDP Governors Forum Chairman, Bala Mohammed, following the Supreme Court’s ruling against the Rivers State government.
Wike questioned whether Atiku and Mohammed would continue to support Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who had been praised in the past despite disregarding court orders. The Supreme Court, in a verdict delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to halt fund allocations to Rivers State. The court ruled that the restriction would remain until Fubara ceases all “illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional activities.”
The ruling further declared that funds could only be released to the state government once a proper budget was enacted under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule as Speaker of the Rivers House of Assembly. Additionally, the judgment reinstated the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, ordering them to resume their legislative functions immediately.
Reacting to the ruling during a press conference in Abuja, Wike described it as a victory for the rule of law. “These are some of the things we see in this country. When you speak the truth, some people will try to blackmail you,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, adding, “For me, it’s happiness for Rivers people and Nigerians that this impunity must stop. Enough is enough. When the issue of local government administration came up, a governor who swore to uphold the constitution came out to call a court ruling corrupt.”
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Wike accused Fubara of ignoring electoral laws and failing to conduct local government elections properly. “You refused to follow the electoral act regarding local government elections. INEC doesn’t release voter registers unless you comply with court orders, but you said you wouldn’t obey. And some Nigerians were clapping,” he said.
Taking a swipe at Atiku and Bala Mohammed, Wike questioned whether they would still applaud Fubara after the Supreme Court’s verdict. “People like Atiku were hailing him, saying he had done well. I hope they will also hail him today? I hope the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum will also hail him today?” he asked sarcastically.
Wike concluded by emphasizing the need to uphold democratic principles. He said, “The Supreme Court has spoken. Enough is enough. We must not allow our democracy to be destroyed. If this had been allowed to continue, tomorrow, a single lawmaker would declare himself an entire Assembly, and there would be nothing anyone could do.”
The Supreme Court’s ruling is seen as a major setback for Governor Fubara, who has been in a prolonged political battle with Wike’s loyalists. With the reinstatement of the 27 lawmakers, the political landscape in Rivers State is expected to shift significantly.