Rivers Assembly Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum to Governor Fubara Over Commissioner Appointments

The political tension in Rivers State has escalated as the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, demanding the immediate dismissal of all commissioners who were not properly screened and confirmed by the legislature.

In a letter addressed to the governor, the lawmakers alleged that Fubara had appointed individuals to key government positions without following constitutional procedures. The Assembly specifically criticized the appointment of Dagogo Iboroma as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, stating that it violated Sections 192(2) & (6) and 195(1) of the 1999 Constitution. Additionally, the letter noted that 19 commissioners were sworn in without the necessary legislative approval.

The House further instructed the governor to submit a fresh list of nominees for commissioner positions within the 48-hour deadline. This latest development is seen as part of the ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and the pro-Wike faction of the Rivers Assembly, which has challenged several of his administrative decisions.

Legislative Showdown: Rivers Assembly vs. Governor Fubara

The latest directive from the Amaewhule-led Assembly is not the first time the lawmakers have clashed with Governor Fubara over executive appointments. The Assembly had previously rejected three of Fubara’s appointments, arguing that they lacked constitutional backing. These included Goodlife Ben as acting chairperson of the Local Government Service Commission, Ine Briggs as acting director-general of the Bureau for Public Procurement, and Tonte Davies as acting administrator of the New Cities Development Authority.

The Assembly’s insistence on due process has fueled the already tense political atmosphere in the state. Lawmakers have also raised concerns about the governor’s handling of the 2025 state budget, which they previously ordered him to re-present for legislative approval. Although the governor’s administration indicated compliance with the budget directive, the new demand for commissioner sackings adds another layer of friction between the executive and legislative arms of the government.

Governor Fubara Denies Receiving Ultimatum as Political Tensions Rise

Despite the Assembly’s firm stance, Governor Fubara has denied receiving any official communication from the lawmakers regarding the 48-hour ultimatum. Addressing reporters, the governor dismissed the claims, insisting that his government remains committed to constitutional governance.

Additionally, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu refuted speculation that she had resigned due to the ongoing political crisis. In a statement issued by her office, she reaffirmed her loyalty to the administration and criticized the spread of misinformation aimed at destabilizing the state government.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Judiciary also pushed back against reports that Chief Judge Justice Simon Amadi had been placed on a year-long leave to influence the political situation. The judiciary described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that the Chief Judge remains in office.

Political Stakeholders React: Ijaw Leaders, Asari Dokubo, and Others Weigh In

The political crisis in Rivers State has drawn reactions from various stakeholders. Prominent Niger Delta leader and traditional ruler Asari Dokubo warned against any attempts to impeach Governor Fubara, urging President Bola Tinubu and the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers to abandon such plans.

Similarly, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide declared that it would not allow political maneuvers to undermine Governor Fubara’s administration. Spokesman Amb. Binebai Princewill emphasized that the Ijaw people view this issue as more than a political conflict, but rather an ethnic matter, stating that any attempt to remove Fubara would be strongly resisted.

On the other hand, the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG) cautioned against escalating the crisis through threats and violence. The group called on Ijaw organizations and other interest groups to prioritize peaceful dialogue and legal solutions.

Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Sets Date for Local Government Elections

Amid the ongoing political turmoil, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has announced August 9, 2025, as the date for fresh local government elections across the state’s 23 local government areas.

Justice Enebeli, the RSIEC Chairman, emphasized that the electoral body is responsible for setting election guidelines and campaign procedures in accordance with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law 12 of 2018. However, the Rivers State House of Assembly has summoned Justice Enebeli to appear before it within 48 hours to explain the planned election process.

The lawmakers warned that failure to appear could result in a warrant for his arrest. This move signals further political confrontation between the pro-Wike Assembly and the Fubara-led administration as both sides seek control over governance structures in the state.

With tensions mounting, political observers fear that the Rivers State crisis could disrupt governance and service delivery if not swiftly resolved. The coming days will be critical in determining whether Governor Fubara will comply with the Assembly’s demands or take a defiant stance against what his supporters see as an attempt to undermine his administration.