By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that his administration will implement the recent Supreme Court judgment on the lingering political crisis in the state, despite his reservations about the ruling.
In a state broadcast on Sunday in Port Harcourt, Fubara admitted that while he disagreed with the judgment, he remained committed to upholding the rule of law. He, however, stated that his legal team would first analyze the certified true copy of the judgment before taking necessary steps.
“We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear state,” he said. “Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.”
Fubara reiterated his administration’s adherence to constitutional governance and due process, insisting that his government had not deliberately acted outside the law. “Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our constitution, due process, and the rule of law,” he added.
The governor disclosed that he had met with his legal team, who assured him that the certified true copy of the ruling would be available by Friday, March 7, 2025. “On receipt of the certified copies of the judgments, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the state forward,” he assured.
In response to the judgment, which nullified caretaker arrangements for local governments, Fubara directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending fresh elections. “Given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately assume leadership of the councils,” he declared.
The governor further ordered all outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025. He urged all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring a smooth transition and avoid unnecessary tensions.
“Although our dear state seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities. We will continue to do everything within our power to fulfill our responsibilities to the citizens,” Fubara assured.