JUST IN: Victory for Fubara as Court Invalidates Amendment of Rivers State Local Government Law

The Rivers State High Court has nullified the amendment of the Local Government Law initiated by the Martins Amaewhule faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The decision, rendered in case number PHC/1320/CS/2024, centered on a controversial amendment that sought to extend the tenure of local government chairmen by six months beyond their original term.

Justice D.G. Kio, who presided over the matter, declared the amendment invalid, citing its inconsistency with the 1999 Constitution and Section 9(1) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018. The court underscored that the governing law for the tenure of local government officials remains the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018, which clearly sets a three-year term for chairmen and councillors.

The attempt to prolong their tenure through the Local Government Law No. 2 of 2024 was found to be unlawful and contrary to their oath of office.

This ruling is a significant victory for Enyiada Cookey-Gam and six others who challenged the amendment, reaffirming the supremacy of constitutional principles in governance.