Rivers reacts to Supreme Court judgement on LG polls, Assembly

The Rivers State Government said it will decide next step when it gets details of the Supreme Court judgment that ruled on the lingering political crisis in the State on Friday.

The State Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, in a statement said, the state government has taken note of reports in the media regarding the recent judgment of the Supreme Court concerning the funds of Rivers State and the administration of local governments in the state.

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He said, “At this time, we are awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgment. We will carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people.

“Though we have not gotten the details of the judgment from our legal team, we enjoin Rivers people to remain calm, law abiding and go about our legitimate businesses as we seek clarity on the judgment.

“We believe that the determination of the main issue of defection of the 27 lawmakers is a matter not before the Supreme Court as it is pending at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.

“Since the issue of defection wasn’t on the table before the learned Justices, in their eyes, Amaewhule and the 26 others are still operating as lawmakers until that matter of defection comes before them”.

Johnson, however, assured that the state government remains committed to upholding its mandate to protect the best interest and the rule of law in all matters affecting Rivers State.