The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ridiculed former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Bala Mohammed, following the Supreme Court’s ruling against the Rivers State government.
Wike questioned whether Atiku and Mohammed would continue to praise Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State for disregarding court orders, as they had previously done, now that the Supreme Court had intervened.
His remarks came in response to the Supreme Court’s decision directing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to halt financial allocations to the Rivers State government. The court ruled that funds would only be released once Fubara ceases his unconstitutional actions and a legal Appropriation Law is enacted under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, also instructed the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume their legislative duties immediately.
Wike described the judgment as a clear indication that lawlessness in Rivers State must end. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, he expressed his satisfaction with the decision, stating that in Nigeria, people often resort to blackmail when confronted with the truth.
He emphasized that the ruling was a victory for the people of Rivers State and the nation, signaling an end to impunity. He criticized Governor Fubara for previously dismissing a court ruling on local government matters as corrupt, despite having taken an oath to uphold the constitution.
Wike commended the Supreme Court for reinforcing the rule of law, stating that funds cannot be disbursed in the absence of a properly approved budget. He also condemned Fubara’s refusal to comply with electoral laws in conducting local government elections and criticized those, including Atiku, who had previously applauded such actions.
He concluded by stressing that the Supreme Court’s verdict serves as a warning against undermining democracy, cautioning that if unchecked, a single individual could one day declare themselves an assembly without any consequences.
