Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has hailed the Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding the Rivers State House of Assembly, declaring it a confirmation of Martins Amaewhule’s position as the rightful speaker.
According to Wike, the apex court’s ruling establishes that Amaewhule leads the authentic assembly, reinforcing the fundamental principle that a functioning legislative body is essential for democracy.
Speaking to reporters following the Supreme Court’s judgment, Wike expressed his satisfaction, acknowledging the protracted legal process. “I have always said that the wheel of justice is sluggish, but it will come when it will come. More than 15 months, 16 months, this matter has been laid to rest by the highest court of the land. The only thing that happened now is to give the glory to God,” Wike stated.
He further emphasized the court’s stance on the necessity of a legislature within a democratic system. “The Supreme Court has made it very clear that you cannot have a democracy without a legislature. It is unheard of. It is unheard of where anybody will say three people will constitute an assembly to make law for the entire state,” Wike asserted.
Wike criticized the notion that a small group could replace the legitimate assembly, highlighting the court’s decision that such actions are invalid. “What the Supreme Court said is that the budget should be presented to a properly constituted assembly, which is the authentic assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.” He stated, that the court ruled that there cannot be democracy without the legislative arm. He also expressed that the matter, though taking a long time, has finally been put to rest.
