The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reacted to the Supreme Court judgment on the constitution of the Rivers House of Assembly and the legality of the state’s 2024 local government elections.
He spoke in Abuja on Friday in reaction to the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly as the authentic and legally constituted legislative body in the State.
The former Rivers State Governor who commended the apex Court’s judgement, noted that the wheel of justice will always come, no matter how log it takes.
He commended the judiciary for its boldness in standing firm against what he described as “impunity” in Rivers.
“I have always said that the wheel of justice is sluggish, but it will come when it will come.
“We are happy that after more than 15 months, the matter has been finally put to rest. We are not just happy; we are happy that the right thing has been done.
“We must commend the judiciary for being bold and for being firm to say that this impunity will not be allowed to continue in Rivers,” he said.
The apex court also ruled that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation must halt further release of budgetary allocations to Rivers state until a valid Appropriation Act is passed by a legally constituted House of Assembly.
Also, the Supreme Court overturned the previous ruling of the Court of Appeal, which had held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over cases related to Rivers state funds.
The court further nullified the local government elections conducted in Rivers on October 5, 2024, stating that they violated relevant laws.
