Victory For Fubara As Court Rules Against Pro-Wike Lawmakers In Rivers

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has recorded another major victory as the Rivers Stae High Court ruled against the pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers.

The Rivers State High Court in its recent judgement nullified the amended Local Government Law proposed by the Martins Amaewhule faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly lawmakers who are loyal to Wike.

Justice D.G Kio delivered the ruling in suit number PHC/1320/CS/2024, which contested the extension of tenure for LG chairmen for six months after the expiration of their term.

Justice Kio declared the amendment void, citing its inconsistency with the 1999 Constitution and Section 9(1) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018.

The court underscored that the governing law for the tenure of local government chairmen and councillors remains the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018, which mandates a three-year tenure.

The endeavor to prolong their tenure via the enactment of the Local Government Law No. 2 of 2024 was deemed unlawful and contradictory to their oath of office.

This verdict stands as a triumph for Enyiada Cookey-Gam and six others who contested the extension, upholding the supremacy of constitutional principles in governance. It is also a significant victory for Governor Fubara and his camp who are totally against the tenure extension for the LG Chairmen initiated and approved by pro-Wike lawmakers.