Rivers State LG Crisis: Wike’s Aide Challenges Fubara’s Directive on Council Leadership

On Friday, the Supreme Court, through Justice Jamilu Tukur, nullified the local government elections held on October 5, 2024. This decision effectively sacked the 23 LGA chairmen and 319 councillors who emerged from that election. In response, Governor Fubara directed the HLGAs to take over council administration pending fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

In a statewide broadcast, Fubara reassured the public that his administration remains committed to upholding constitutional provisions and due process. He stated that his legal team would review the certified true copy of the judgment, expected by March 7, 2025, and implement it accordingly.

Wike’s Camp Pushes Back

Reacting to the development, Lere Olayinka asserted that the Nigerian Constitution and Supreme Court rulings on local government autonomy do not permit governors to dictate who runs LGAs. He emphasized that only the Rivers State House of Assembly has the authority to extend the tenure of elected council officials.

“Governors can no longer decide who runs local governments. The Constitution and Supreme Court judgment clearly state that only democratically elected chairmen and councillors can manage LGAs,” Olayinka stated in a chat with DAILY POST.

He further argued that, since caretaker committees have been outlawed, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, should be responsible for determining the next steps for LG administration.

Political Implications

This crisis highlights the growing power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. With tensions escalating, stakeholders will be closely watching how the Rivers State government and the judiciary navigate this legal and political standoff.

The Supreme Court judgment is expected to set a precedent for local government autonomy across Nigeria, influencing governance structures in other states.