A coalition of opposition lawmakers has praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for adhering to the Supreme Court’s judgment regarding the Local Government Area elections in Rivers State.
The lawmakers commended Fubara’s decision to appoint Heads of Personnel to oversee the councils following the court’s directive, pending the conduct of fresh elections. They viewed this move as clear evidence of the governor’s commitment to democratic principles.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the opposition spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the group lauded Fubara for his democratic stance, despite provocations from groups loyal to the former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The lawmakers described Fubara’s actions as a testament to his respect for the rule of law and his commitment to upholding democracy.
The coalition also addressed the issue of the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers who were sacked for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023. They clarified that these lawmakers remain constitutionally sacked until higher courts rule on the legality of their defection. Ugochinyere emphasized that the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court have yet to make pronouncements on their illegal decampment, and until then, their seats remain vacant.
Ugochinyere further announced that the opposition coalition would address the nation formally after obtaining the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment to outline their position on other contentious issues in the state’s political crisis. He urged calm among residents, assuring them that the opposition remained committed to pursuing legal and peaceful resolutions to uphold constitutional order.