Wike Hails Supreme Court For Ending ‘Impunity’ In Rivers

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended the Supreme Court for its ruling on Friday, which annulled the recent local government elections in Rivers State and recognized the legitimacy of the 27-member State Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja after the decision, Wike described the Supreme Court’s verdict as a significant end to the culture of impunity in Rivers State.

The former governor of Rivers State also criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, accusing them of tacitly endorsing lawlessness in the state. He stressed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara must comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling as it is the ultimate legal authority on the matter.

The ruling is seen as a pivotal development amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, reaffirming the authority of the Amaewhule-led State Assembly and invalidating the controversial local government elections.

“I have always said that the wheels of justice turn slowly, but they turn. After more than 15 months, this matter has been laid to rest by the highest court of the land,” Wike remarked.

He continued, “The only thing that can happen now is for everyone to appeal to God, if there is an opportunity for you to do so. The Supreme Court has made it very clear that you cannot have a democracy without a legislature.”

Wike pointed out that it was unprecedented for anyone to suggest that only three people could constitute an assembly to make laws for an entire state, particularly concerning appropriation. “This is not about any individual, whether you like their face or not. What is important is whether three people can make laws for a state,” he said.

The former governor also noted that while the Federal High Court had initially allowed such an arrangement, it has now been overturned. “A governor cannot dissolve the legislature and act as if nothing has happened. The independent arm of government should not be disregarded,” he asserted.

He emphasized that the Supreme Court ruling upholds the rule of law and ensures that funds cannot be spent without valid appropriation from a legitimate legislature. “Without a valid appropriation, state funds cannot be spent. It is critical for us to uphold the rule of law,” Wike stated.

Wike also expressed his disappointment over the accusations directed at him following his previous statements, but he maintained that the ruling was a victory for the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large. “It is a victory for Nigerians that the apex court has declared that this impunity must stop. Enough is enough; we cannot continue like this,” he declared.

He concluded by stressing that violations of the Electoral Act, such as those in the conduct of local government elections, should not go unchecked. “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) insisted on compliance, but the governor refused,” he said.

Wike called for accountability, urging politicians like Atiku Abubakar and Governor Bala Mohammed to recognize the ruling. “The Supreme Court has insisted that we must protect our democracy,” he emphasized, highlighting that if such impunity were allowed to continue, it could lead to a situation where one person could constitute an assembly, which would be unimaginable.

Wike praised the judiciary for its boldness and firmness in rejecting the culture of impunity, urging continued respect for the rule of law.