According to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, the Supreme Court’s ruling on the River State Capitol on the River State Legislative Crisis ended impunity.
In a landmark ruling on Friday, February 28, the Supreme Court banned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Federal Accounting General and other agencies from releasing funds to the River State Government until the court order was followed.
The court also rejected a cross-appeal filed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the legitimacy of the Speaker of Parliament, led by Martin Amaewhule. In addition, the Supreme Court voided the recent local government elections with serious violations of election laws.
Shortly after the verdict, Vick addressed reporters and praised the judiciary for upholding the rule of law. He believes that allowing the crisis to persist will set a precedent for danger. “If you allow this, one day a member will form a gathering and there is nothing you can do. It’s unheard of. We must commend the judiciary for being bold in saying that this impunity is not allowed,” he said. He also criticized Governor Fobala’s handling of local government elections and noted that they failed to meet the required legal standards. “You are not following the Election Law when it comes to local government elections. People are cheering him and saying, “Yes, you’re doing a great job.” “I hope they will call him today, too,” Wick added.
Butch State Governor Bala Mohammed scanned the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governor Forum, and Wike accused him of supporting Fubara despite legal and procedural irregularities. “I hope the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum can also call him today. The Supreme Court came out and said “enough”. We cannot cut off our democracy,” he said.
Wick stressed that the Supreme Court’s ruling was the final decision and there was no room for any further legal challenges. He said sarcastically: “The only thing anyone can do now is appeal to God for the trial.” He also accused Governor Forbala of destroying the state assembly building and moving the legislative activity to another location. “It has nothing to do with me. How can a person demolish the state capitol building and bring its score to his house? It’s unheard of,” he said.
Vick dismissed the importance of hiring multiple senior advocates in Nigeria (SANS) in the legal struggle, insisting that only valid legal arguments and compliance with the rule of law matters. “It’s not about hiring 40 senior Nigerian advocates; it’s about upholding the rule of law and having the ability to handle the case,” he concluded.
