Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has openly rejected the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, setting the stage for a fresh political confrontation in the state. The lawmakers had demanded that Fubara formally present the 2025 budget, titled the Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development, despite the governor already signing a N1.1 trillion appropriation bill into law on January 2, 2025.
Addressing his supporters at the inauguration of the Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters, Fubara dismissed the Assembly’s stance, emphasizing that his administration would not succumb to intimidation. He reassured the people of Rivers State that governance would continue uninterrupted, calling on the youths and supporters to stay resolute in the face of political tensions.
Supreme Court Ruling Deepens Rivers Political Crisis
The latest battle between Fubara and the Rivers Assembly comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025, ruling, which reinstated the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers and nullified the October 2024 local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. The ruling also upheld the seizure of state allocations, further complicating governance in the oil-rich state.
With their return, the reinstated lawmakers wasted no time in asserting their authority. During their first plenary session at the official legislative quarters along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, they insisted that Fubara’s budget must be formally presented in accordance with constitutional provisions. In addition, the Assembly strongly opposed the governor’s directive for outgoing local government chairmen to hand over to Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs), arguing that such a move contravened the Supreme Court’s ruling against non-elected officials administering local councils.
Fubara Stands His Ground, Warns Against Political Manipulation
Governor Fubara, in a defiant stance, reaffirmed that he would not be forced into unconstitutional actions. He criticized attempts by political actors to manipulate the system to their advantage, warning that Rivers people must take their destiny into their own hands.
“No matter how we’ve been fooled in this state, it has gotten to a point where the people have to decide to take their destinies into their hands,” Fubara stated. “Since I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to make a decision, I will lead the course for that decision.”
Fubara further assured that he remained undeterred by political threats, adding that the worst outcome would be his removal from office, which, in his words, would not stop him from existing. “I am not scared of anything. The worst that will happen is for me to leave the office. Am I leaving the earth? No. But the right thing must be done,” he emphasized.
Lawmakers Proceed on 12-Week Recess Amid Tensions
Despite the political crisis, the Assembly resolved to proceed on a 12-week recess beginning Friday, March 7, 2025. However, standing committees would continue to carry out statutory functions during the recess.
In a statement addressed to the governor and key state officials, including the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the state Accountant-General, the Assembly stated that their resolutions aimed to prevent a financial crisis in the absence of an approved appropriation law.
“We do not want the people of Rivers State to suffer. We, therefore, urge you to act fast and do the needful in the best interest of the state,” the lawmakers declared. However, Fubara’s administration maintains that it has yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment and will only act upon it once received.
Supporters Take to the Streets as Political Tension Rises
The escalating crisis has triggered demonstrations across the state, with both pro-Fubara and pro-Wike supporters staging protests and counter-demonstrations. Videos circulating on social media showed rival groups chanting solidarity songs, further highlighting the deep divisions within the state.
In Eleme Local Government Area, scores of Fubara’s supporters took to the streets, singing and chanting in support of the governor. The youth, riding on motorcycles, chanted, “No Sim, no network, Eleme is for Sim 100 percent.” On the other hand, supporters of former Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, were also seen mocking Fubara’s predicament.
As the standoff continues, political analysts warn that the battle between Fubara and the Rivers Assembly could have far-reaching implications for governance and stability in the state. With both sides refusing to back down, Rivers State appears set for yet another phase of intense political turbulence.
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