… Says Issue Of Defection Not Before Supreme Court, Calls For Calm
THE Rivers State government has called for calm from residents of the state even as it awaits a detailed briefing on the implications of the Supreme Court judgment which ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria and the office of the Accountant General of the Federation to henceforth stop federal allocation meant for the state.
The state government through the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, said the determination of the main issue of defection of the 27 lawmakers is a matter not before the Supreme Court as it is pending at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
The Rivers State government position is hereunder reproduced verbatim.
SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT ON RIVERS STATE FUNDS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION
We have taken note of reports in the media regarding the recent judgment of the Supreme Court concerning the funds of Rivers State and the administration of local governments in the state.
At this time, we are awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment. We will carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people.
Though we have not gotten the details of the judgment from our legal team, we enjoin Rivers people to remain calm, law-abiding and go about our legitimate businesses as we seek clarity on the judgment.
We believe that the determination of the main issue of defection of the 27 lawmakers is a matter not before the Supreme Court as it is pending at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. Since the issue of defection wasn’t on the table before the learned Justices, in their eyes, Amaewhule and the 26 others are still operating as lawmakers until that matter of defection comes before them.
We assure you that we remain committed to upholding our mandate to protect the best interest and the rule of law in all matters affecting our dear State.
Signed
Warisenibo Joe Johnson
Hon. Commissioner for Information & Communications
February 28, 2025
Eighteen-Eleven Media