Supreme Court's Verdicts Restraining Release of Rivers State Allocation; Commence The Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara Immediately Ohanaeze Implores Rivers State Speaker Amaewhule

The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, solemnly acknowledges and applauds the monumental verdict rendered by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Friday, February 28, 2025.

This pivotal ruling, which directs the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation to cease any further financial allocations to the Government of Rivers State, resonates as an unequivocal affirmation of justice for the impoverished and suffering populace of Rivers State. This verdict serves not merely as a legal testament but also as a beacon of hope for the downtrodden masses who have long endured the consequences of executive malfeasance.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, with resolute clarity, heralds the Supreme Court's judgment as a decisive end to the executive recklessness, rampant improprieties, and unconstitutional actions that have characterized the administration of Governor Siminialayi Fubara. This landmark judgment is a resounding call to action for the Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara without any delay or hesitation.

Over the past 16 months, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has persistently urged Governor Fubara to discontinue his unlawful and unconstitutional maneuvers, advocating instead for a reconciliatory approach with the Rivers State House of Assembly. Regrettably, rather than heeding this sage counsel, the Governor chose to engage in actions that blatantly circumvented the collective interests and welfare of the long-suffering citizens of Rivers State.

In the decisive judgment articulated by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, the Supreme Court not only ordered the immediate resumption of legislative duties by the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly but also decisively nullified all unlawful actions undertaken by Governor Fubara. The court’s unanimous ruling, rendered by a distinguished five-member panel of Justices led by Justice Musa Uwani Aba-Aji, unequivocally condemned the Governor for his abhorrent decision to demolish the House of Assembly, an act of egregious impunity aimed at barring elected representatives from fulfilling their constitutional duties.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo contends that Governor Siminialayi Fubara has committed a series of impeachable offenses of grave concern, including but not limited to:

1. The unlawful demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, which constitutes a flagrant infringement upon the constitutional rights of 27 lawmakers, egregiously obstructing them from performing their legislative responsibilities.

2. The unacceptable attempt to operate with only four members—led by Oko Jumbo—out of a 32-member assembly, driven by unfounded fears of impeachment, an aberration that undermines the foundational tenets of democratic governance.

3. The exploitation of presidential immunity under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution to engage in actions that contravene the rule of law, ultimately collapsing the functionality of the House of Assembly.

Given the gravity of these offenses, Ohanaeze Ndigbo earnestly implores the Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule and his fellow legislators to muster the righteous resolve and political will necessary to protect Nigeria's democracy. It is imperative that they initiate impeachment proceedings without further delay. Additionally, we propose the establishment of a disciplinary committee, headed by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, to ensure accountability for Governor Fubara's unlawful actions and constitutional violations, which have profoundly obstructed the legislative duties of a vital arm of government and have gravely compromised the welfare and dignity of the afflicted masses in Rivers State.

The time for decisive action is upon us. The integrity of our democracy, the rule of law, and the welfare of the people hinge upon the courageous and immediate response of the Rivers State leadership. We stand resolute in our demand for justice, accountability, and the restoration of the people's trust in governance.

*Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro

Deputy President General  

Ohanaeze Ndigbo  

*Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia

National Public Secretary / Spokesman  

Ohanaeze Ndigbo

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