In response to the circulating rumors and misinformation, a statement from the office of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has clarified that the recent withdrawal of an appeal by his legal team is not an admission of defeat or a concession to any court ruling. Instead, it is a pragmatic decision made in light of changed circumstances and the evolving fiscal landscape of Rivers State in 2025.
According to the official notice released by the legal team, the withdrawal of the suit is in strict accordance with Order 11, Rule 14 of the Supreme Court Rules. This legal provision provides that an appeal may be withdrawn when pursuing the matter further is rendered unnecessary by subsequent developments. In this case, the decision reflects the fact that the circumstances surrounding the original appeal have been overtaken by events, particularly as the Rivers State budget has been revised to address the present realities of governance.
“The withdrawal of the appeal should not be misconstrued as a concession or an acceptance of any unfavorable court ruling,” the statement explained. “It is simply an acknowledgment that the matter is no longer relevant to the current fiscal and administrative context of Rivers State.” The legal team emphasized that the move was purely technical and strategic, designed to avoid unnecessary legal proceedings that would no longer yield any beneficial outcome for the state.
This clarification comes amid unfounded reports and speculative narratives circulating in various media outlets and on social platforms. Critics and some opposition voices had attempted to portray the withdrawal as a sign of weakness or a retreat by Governor Fubara. However, officials have made it clear that such interpretations are not only incorrect but also irresponsible.
Governor Fubara remains firmly committed to his responsibilities and the ongoing development of Rivers State. The administration is focused on implementing policies and projects that drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. In this context, the decision to withdraw the appeal was taken after careful consideration of the evolving circumstances and the state’s long-term fiscal strategy. With the Rivers State budget now recalibrated to meet the demands of 2025, pursuing the appeal would have been an exercise in futility.
During a press briefing, a spokesperson for the Governor’s office reiterated, “We urge the public to disregard any misinterpretations or baseless claims regarding this matter. The decision was made solely on pragmatic grounds, taking into account the significant changes that have occurred since the appeal was originally filed. Our focus remains on governance, progress, and the well-being of our people.” This message has been echoed by several senior members of the administration who stress that the withdrawal is part of a broader strategy to streamline legal processes and concentrate resources on effective administration rather than protracted litigation.
The legal experts consulted on the matter noted that the withdrawal, in accordance with Order 11, Rule 14, reflects a standard legal practice where continued litigation is abandoned once the original issues lose their relevance. “It is a common-sense decision when the conditions that necessitated an appeal are no longer present,” one legal analyst explained. “In this case, it is clear that the state’s budget and priorities have moved on, and there is no strategic advantage in maintaining the appeal.” This assessment reinforces the administration’s position that the move is not a sign of weakness but rather a wise allocation of the state’s legal and financial resources.
The message from Governor Fubara’s office also underscores a call for public awareness and the importance of verifying information from credible sources. “Misrepresenting such legal actions to push a false narrative is unprofessional and irresponsible,” the statement warns. Citizens are encouraged to follow official channels and trusted news outlets for accurate updates on governance and legal matters in Rivers State.
As Rivers State continues to thrive under purposeful leadership, the administration remains focused on delivering the dividends of good governance. The recalibration of the state budget and the decision to withdraw the appeal are both reflective of an adaptive, forward-looking approach aimed at positioning Rivers State for sustained development in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
In summary, the withdrawal of the appeal by Governor Fubara’s legal team should be understood not as a retreat, but as a rational response to the evolved fiscal and administrative environment. The state remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the continual pursuit of progress, ensuring that the focus stays on governance and development for the benefit of all its citizens.
