By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed an appeal by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, affirming the leadership of the state House of Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The ruling, delivered on February 28, 2025, solidifies the position of the Amaewhule-led Assembly amid ongoing political tensions in the state.
The apex court’s decision brings a significant turn in the leadership crisis that has rocked Rivers State in recent months. The ruling reinforces an earlier judgment recognizing the legislative authority of the Amaewhule-led faction, which has been at the center of a protracted power struggle.
However, contrary to some reports, the Supreme Court has not issued any recent ruling suspending federal allocations to Rivers State. While a Federal High Court had previously barred the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation from disbursing statutory monthly allocations to the state, this decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal in December 2024.
With the appeal court’s ruling vacating the earlier injunction, federal allocations to Rivers State remain undisrupted, ensuring the continuity of government operations in the oil-rich state.
Political observers note that the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the Amaewhule-led Assembly could further shape the political landscape in Rivers State, where tensions have heightened between Governor Fubara’s administration and the state legislature.
The development comes amid ongoing mediation efforts to resolve the state’s political crisis, with stakeholders urging all parties to prioritize governance and stability.
