The Supreme Court has declared the local government election conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on October 5, 2024, invalid. The ruling, delivered on Friday by Justice Jamilu Tukur, cited gross violations of the Electoral Act as the basis for the decision.
Election Declared Void for Electoral Act Violations
Justice Tukur ruled that RSIEC’s actions failed to comply with the Electoral Act and the guidelines for conducting elections. The court found that critical processes leading to the election were bypassed, violating Section 150 of the Act. As a result, the election was deemed null and void.
Supreme Court Upholds Rulings Against Rivers State House of Assembly Case
In the same judgment, the Supreme Court also upheld the decisions of both the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had previously ruled against the actions taken against 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court reaffirmed that the measures against the lawmakers were illegal and unconstitutional.
Governor Fubara Fined N10 Million
As part of the ruling, Governor Siminalayi Fubara was ordered to pay a fine of N10 million to the 27 affected Assembly members who had sued him.
Federal High Court Condemns Budget Presentation
The Federal High Court had previously ruled that Governor Fubara’s receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January 2024 were unconstitutional. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in her judgment, declared that Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before a four-member Rivers House of Assembly was a direct violation of constitutional provisions.
Conclusion: A Landmark Decision with Far-Reaching Implications
The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s electoral and legislative history. By nullifying the local government election and reaffirming previous judgments against the Rivers State government’s actions, the court has reinforced the importance of upholding constitutional and electoral laws. This decision is likely to have lasting political and legal consequences in Rivers State and beyond.
