Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will fully implement the recent judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the political crisis in the state.
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Fubara emphasized that his priority is the protection of the state’s interests, which must take precedence over any personal ambitions.
He gave this assurance during the inauguration of the new Judges’ Quarters, a housing facility completed by his administration for judges indigenous to Rivers State by birth or marriage, at Old GRA, in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area on Tuesday.
The governor stated, “The past 16 months have not been easy, but what is most important is the interest of our state, which must be above personal considerations.
“I want to make it very clear: the Supreme Court has delivered its judgment, and my administration will implement it fully. The reason is simple—it is not about me, but about the greater good of this state.”
Fubara lamented the financial losses incurred on both sides in prosecuting the political crisis, stating that such resources would have been better utilized if they were **synergized and channeled to causes** that promote the genuine well-being and development of the state.
He added, “Thankfully, we have reached where we are today. I can assure you publicly that I have not changed my stance: no price is too big to pay for peace in this state. At the end of the day, it is about our people, not about me. I will leave office, but the good work I have done will speak for me and for generations to come.”
Speaking on the newly inaugurated Judges’ Quarters, Fubara emphasized that the project reflects his administration’s commitment to the welfare of judicial officers. He noted that the project, inherited from the previous administration, was deemed necessary for completion after consultations with the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary.
He stated, “We give glory to God that today, we have completed this project and are ready to hand it over to the judges who will reside here, ensuring they can perform their duties effectively.”
Fubara also underscored the importance of proper maintenance of the facility, pledging that the executive arm of government would provide necessary support to ensure its sustainability.
Performing the inauguration, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, recalled how he laid the foundation stone for the project, which was initiated by the immediate past administration on May 22, 2023.
Amadi expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for completing the project, which he described as a milestone for the state judiciary.
“We are pleased with this landmark achievement, which continues the policy of providing befitting residential accommodation for judges of Rivers State on an **owner-occupier basis or monetary grant** in lieu thereof,” he stated.
“This policy is backed by the Rivers State Housing Scheme for Judicial Officers Law No. 10 of 2021, passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and signed into law by the immediate past governor of Rivers State.
“For years, the Rivers State Government has prioritized housing for judicial officers, ensuring they are well accommodated while in service. In recent years, the policy has evolved to provide either official quarters on an owner-occupier basis or a **monetary grant** in lieu thereof.
“This approach has significantly reduced the financial pressure on judicial officers, who previously struggled to build retirement homes while in service with limited resources. Such pressures in the past had implications on job performance.”
In her address, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Ibiwari Clapton-Ogolo, explained that the Rivers State Housing Scheme for Judicial Officers Law No. 10 of 2021 was established to provide housing for judicial officers who are indigenes of Rivers State by birth or marriage.
She stated, “The scheme ensures that every judicial officer who is an indigene of Rivers State, or married to one, is provided with decent accommodation or its **monetized equivalent**, subject to government approval.
“In line with this law, today, the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State will commission seven five-bedroom duplexes, exquisitely furnished. Our judges deserve nothing less.
“I hope these houses will not just serve as residences but as homes where our judges find peace and rest while discharging their duties to God and to men.”
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Meanwhile, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, dismissed statements made by Chief Tony Okocha, a factional leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Okocha had recently called for Fubara’s impeachment, citing alleged misconduct. However, Johnson dismissed him as an “impostor” with no legitimate claim to APC leadership in the state, noting that a Rivers State High Court had already ruled against Okocha’s claim to the chairmanship.
The commissioner reaffirmed that the Rivers State government remains open to dialogue with lawmakers and that impeachment is not under consideration. He accused Okocha of seeking political relevance through baseless threats.
“I’ve decided not to engage with Chief Okocha’s statements because he is not a consistent person. He lacks the moral authority to call for impeachment because, legally, he is an impostor,” Johnson stated.
He continued: “A Rivers State High Court has long removed him from office. He is desperately seeking relevance, and this government owes him none.
“This is not the first time—previously, he said he would ask members of his party in the House to initiate impeachment proceedings. Not long after, he recanted.
“So, he is not a man of his word. Nobody is talking about impeachment. Impeachment is not even on the table. The government remains open to discussions with Assembly members.”
With this assurance from the Rivers State government, political tensions in the state persist, but Governor Fubara remains focused on fostering stability and reconciliation.
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