Joe Johnson, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Rivers State
By Maureen Dick
RIVERS State Government said it is awaiting for a detailed briefing on the implications of the Supreme Court judgement delivered on Friday.
State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joe Johnson, gave the hint in a statement he issued in Port Harcourt.
Johnson said the government had taken notes of reports in the media regarding the judgement concerning the funds of Rivers State and the administration of local governments in the state.
He stated: “At this time, we are awaiting a detailed briefing on the implications of the judgement. We will carefully evaluate the situation and determine the next steps to take in the best interest of Rivers State and its people.”
The commissioner advised Rivers residents to remain in the face of the apex court’s verdicts, even as the state government was yet to get details of the judgement from its legal team.
Johnson continued: “Though we have not gotten the details of the judgement from our legal team, we enjoin Rivers people to remain calm, law abiding and go about your legitimate businesses as we seek clarity on the judgement.
“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.
“We assure you that we remain committed to upholding our mandate to protect the best interest and the rule of law in all matters affecting our dear State.”