Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to immediately comply with the recent Supreme Court ruling, which nullified the state’s local government elections and affirmed the legitimacy of the 27 lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the group’s National President, Bature Haruna, noted that the judgment by the apex court on Friday reaffirms the supremacy of the rule of law and the Constitution.

Haruna, who was flanked by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter coordinator of the group, Mark Okpanachi Ogah, warned against any attempt to undermine the ruling, saying that no democracy can survive on illegality.

The Supreme Court, in its verdict on Friday, declared the Rivers State local government elections null and void due to non-compliance with electoral laws.

The apex court also upheld the legitimacy of the 27 lawmakers while reserving its ruling on their defection case.
Haruna maintained that the ruling has invalidated all legislative activities carried out by the four-man House of Assembly that had been functioning in the state, including budget approvals.

Haruna accused the Rivers State government of sidelining the Assembly for over a year, describing the action by the governor as an assault on democratic governance.

He urged Fubara to demonstrate leadership by restoring the state’s legislative authority in accordance with the court’s decision.

The group said: “On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered landmark rulings that reaffirm the sanctity of the Constitution and the supremacy of the rule of law. The apex court declared the Rivers State local government elections null and void due to non-compliance with electoral laws, affirmed the legitimacy of the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and reserved its ruling on the defection case of the 27 lawmakers, a matter that remains critical in the ongoing legal battle for legitimacy in the state.

“With these rulings, it is evident that all legislative activities carried out by the illegal four-man House of Assembly—laws passed, budgets approved, and appointments confirmed—are now invalid. The Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence strongly urge Governor Siminalayi Fubara to immediately respect the Supreme Court’s ruling and restore democratic governance in Rivers State. Any attempt to undermine this judgment would amount to a blatant disregard for the Constitution and the principles of democracy.

“As the Chief Executive of Rivers State, he must demonstrate leadership by upholding the rule of law and ensuring that governance is conducted in line with constitutional provisions.

“No democracy can survive on illegality. The deliberate sidelining of the Rivers State House of Assembly for over a year and a half has been an assault on democratic governance. The people of Rivers State have suffered under an unconstitutional arrangement that disregarded the legislative arm of government.

“Now that the Supreme Court has ruled, we expect immediate steps to be taken to reinstate legitimate legislative authority in the state. We warn against any further acts of executive lawlessness or attempts to suppress the voices of duly elected representatives.”

The group commended the Supreme Court for its courage and commitment to upholding the Constitution, adding that the ruling has reaffirmed collective faith in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

It described the judgment as a victory not just for Rivers State but for democracy in Nigeria.

“As a body dedicated to peaceful coexistence, good governance, and democratic values, we reaffirm our commitment to defending democracy. We stand in solidarity with all progressive forces working to ensure that governance in Rivers State and across Nigeria aligns with the rule of law.

“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, and political actors to support the full implementation of this judgment. Let us join hands to protect our democracy, for it is our collective responsibility to ensure that Nigeria remains a nation governed by law, not by impunity,” the organization added.