The Rivers State Government has responded to the Supreme Court rulings that declared Martins Amaewhule the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, dismissed the 23 local government chairmen and instructed the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to immediately cease the release of funds to the Rivers State Government.
In a statement on Friday signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joseph Johnson, the government noted that it is “awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment.”
Johnson emphasized that the state government would “carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people.”
The Commissioner also urged the people of Rivers to remain calm during this period.
The government further clarified that the issue of the defection of the 27 lawmakers is not part of the current Supreme Court proceedings, as the matter is still pending before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
Johnson stated that since the issue of defection was not addressed by the Supreme Court, Amaewhule and the 26 other lawmakers continue to operate as members of the House of Assembly until the matter of defection is adjudicated.
He assured the public that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding its mandate to protect the best interests of the state and the rule of law in all matters affecting Rivers State.