Amaewhule-Led Rivers State Assembly Sets Conditions for Meeting with Governor Fubara

The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s invitation to a meeting at the Government House, citing improper communication. The lawmakers, who are loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, stated that the governor Fubara’s invitation, extended through social media, was not a suitable means of engagement.

Isaiah Opuende, a lawmaker representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, criticized the governor Fubara’s approach, saying, “How can you wire a letter and post it on social media and expect us to honour it? We are not kids. The governor should properly write to the Assembly. That’s all.”

The lawmakers’ refusal to accept the invitation without formal communication highlights the deepening political rift in the state. The Rivers Assembly has insisted that the governor Fubara must respect legislative procedures if he hopes to engage with them meaningfully.

Fubara’s Invitation and Rivers State Assembly’s Demands

Governor Fubara, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Tammy Danagogo, had invited the lawmakers for a meeting scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. The agenda included discussions on providing a sitting space for the River Assembly, payment of outstanding allowances, and the presentation of the 2025 budget.

The lawmakers, however, have set conditions before they will honour the meeting. They insist that Fubara must formally address them in writing and acknowledge their authority, especially following the Supreme Court’s ruling that affirmed their legitimacy. They have also demanded that the governor submit commissioner nominees for screening, arguing that those currently serving in the cabinet lack legal backing.

Despite the governor’s efforts to reach out, tensions remain high. The lawmakers have also summoned the chairman and commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to appear before them, further asserting their authority.

Mockery and Resistance from Wike’s Loyalists

The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State took another turn when former local government chairmen loyal to Wike openly mocked Governor Fubara’s invitation to the lawmakers. A viral video showed a group, led by former Ikwerre Local Government Chairman Dr Samuel Nwanosike, singing and dancing to a song that ridiculed Fubara’s appeal.

Their song, “Dey your dey, make I dey my dey, dey your dey, nobody worry Amaewhule,” referenced Fubara’s past comments, where he dismissed the lawmakers. This act further deepens the divide between the governor and Wike’s camp, which continues to wield influence over the Assembly.

The mockery underscores the growing resistance against Fubara within the state’s political structure. With the Supreme Court verdict recognizing the Assembly’s legitimacy, Wike’s allies appear determined to frustrate the governor’s attempts at reconciliation.

Rivers state APC Factions Weigh In on the Crisis

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to the latest developments, with both the Tony Okocha-led faction, loyal to Wike, and the Emeka Beke-led faction, loyal to former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi, offering differing perspectives.

Chibuike Ikenga, the Publicity Secretary of the Okocha-led faction, welcomed the governor’s invitation to the Assembly, stating that it was a positive step towards resolving the crisis. “Whatever will bring lasting peace to Rivers State is what we support,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chizi Entire, Chief of Staff to the Beke-led APC faction, described the development as a “win-win” situation. He commended the governor for complying with the Supreme Court ruling and making efforts to engage with the lawmakers. “The governor sees that the people matter and not him. Making peace with the lawmakers is the best thing he can achieve for now,” Entire said.

Ex-LG Chairmen Condemn Threats, Call for Supreme Court Judgment Enforcement

Former local government chairmen from Ijaw-dominated areas in Rivers State have condemned threats from non-state actors who vowed to disrupt oil production if Governor Fubara were impeached. These former council bosses, who previously supported Fubara, now accuse him of failing to implement the Supreme Court judgment that reaffirmed the Assembly’s authority.

The ex-chairmen criticized organizations such as the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and elements of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) for using ethnic sentiments to threaten the state’s stability. They argued that these groups did not speak for the entire Ijaw people and urged security agencies to act against any threats to the state’s peace.

“We condemn those empty threats and urge the Federal Government and Nigerians to disregard such comments, which project the Ijaws in a bad light,” the former chairmen said in a statement signed by representatives from several local government areas.

The former council bosses also accused Fubara of hypocrisy, recalling that he had previously ignored the rights of the lawmakers and refused to pay their salaries. They called on the governor to respect the Supreme Court’s decision and work towards restoring constitutional order in the state.

The deepening political crisis in Rivers State continues to highlight the struggle for power between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Wike. While the governor has made attempts to reach out, the Assembly’s insistence on formal communication and their growing defiance suggest that reconciliation remains a long road ahead.

With former local government chairmen, APC factions, and ethnic groups weighing in on the matter, Rivers State’s political landscape remains tense. The governor’s next move will determine whether peace can be achieved or if the crisis will escalate further.