The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has lauded the Supreme Court’s ruling that affirmed the legitimacy of the 27-member Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule.
The apex court also upheld a prior decision by the Federal High Court barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from releasing statutory allocations to Rivers State, intensifying the ongoing political crisis in the state.
Speaking in Abuja after the verdict, Wike described the ruling as a victory for democracy and an end to political turbulence in Rivers.
He dismissed suggestions of a faction within the state assembly, asserting that Amaewhule’s leadership was legitimate.
“The Supreme Court has made it very clear that you cannot have democracy without a legislature,” Wike stated.
“There’s nothing like the Amaewhule faction. The ruling confirms that the budget must be presented to the properly constituted assembly, which is led by Martin Amaewhule.”
Wike, a former governor of Rivers, criticized the perceived disregard for democratic institutions in the state, referencing the controversial removal of the assembly complex.
“It is unheard of that someone would claim three lawmakers constitute a legislative assembly to make laws for an entire state,” he said.
“A governor would bring down the House of Assembly, and we act like nothing happened. It’s not about me; it’s about the rule of law. How can you demolish an arm of government and there be no consequence?”
Describing the ruling as a triumph for the people of Rivers, Wike said, “For me, it is happiness for Rivers people. It is happiness for Nigerians that this impunity must stop.”
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