The Supreme Court has nullified the local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on October 5, 2024, citing gross violations of the Electoral Act.
Delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Jamilu Tukur ruled that the election process was fundamentally flawed due to the electoral body’s failure to adhere to stipulated guidelines.
According to the apex court, RSIEC continued voter registration even after announcing the election date — an action described as a breach of the Electoral Act. Justice Tukur declared the election void, emphasizing that the electoral commission’s actions were not in substantial compliance with legal requirements.
In a related judgment, the court also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government.
The decision will remain in effect until Governor Siminalayi Fubara complies with previous court orders.
A five-man panel led by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim dismissed Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule.
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The court ordered Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with all elected members of the Assembly, stressing that Fubara’s move to operate with only four lawmakers was an act of impunity.
The court further described the governor’s handling of the Assembly crisis — including the alleged defection of 28 lawmakers and the demolition of the Assembly complex — as a display of executive excesses aimed at suppressing the legislative arm of government.
The ruling marks a significant setback for Governor Fubara, further deepening the political crisis in the oil-rich state.