The Supreme Court has set February 10, 2025, to hear two separate suits filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the validity of the local government elections conducted in Rivers State in 2024.
On the same day, the apex court will hear five additional cases related to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which began in October 2023 when a faction loyal to former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, attempted to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The crisis intensified after Fubara sealed off the state Assembly complex in response to impeachment moves. Subsequently, lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, which Fubara dismissed as illegitimate. This led to the creation of a controversial three-member Assembly that took critical legislative actions, including passing the 2024 budget.
The legitimacy of the Assembly and its decisions have become a legal matter, progressing through the Rivers State High Court, Federal High Court, and the Court of Appeal before reaching the Supreme Court.
Legal Consolidations and Disputes
The Supreme Court has consolidated four appeals for a streamlined hearing, including:
Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Rivers State Government
Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Rivers State Governor
Rivers State House of Assembly vs. RSIEC
Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Accountant General of Rivers State
These appeals, along with the two separate APC suits, will be heard on February 10.
2024 Local Government Elections
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) scheduled the local government elections for October 5, 2024, despite objections from the APC. The APC alleged that RSIEC violated a bill extending the tenure of local government chairmen, passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly.