The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has given Governor Siminalayi Fubara a condition to meet, following his invitation to the lawmakers for a meeting at the Government House
The lawmakers, who are loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, insisted that the governor must channel his invitation to them properly, rather than through social media.
The crisis between the lawmakers and Governor Fubara began after the Supreme Court judgment affirming the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. The lawmakers had urged Fubara to present the 2025 budget, submit nominees for commissioner and other appointments, and address other pressing issues. However, the governor ignored their requests, prompting the lawmakers to give him an ultimatum.
In a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Governor Fubara invited the lawmakers to a meeting at the Government House to discuss key issues, including the provision of a sitting space for the Assembly, payment of outstanding allowances, and the presentation of the 2025 budget.
However, the lawmakers rejected the governor’s invitation, insisting that he must channel his invitation to them properly. According to Isaiah Opuende, a lawmaker representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, the governor’s invitation via social media was unacceptable. Opuende urged the governor to communicate with them appropriately, adding that it was surprising that Fubara would invite them after telling them to “dey their dey” (mind their own business).
The development was hailed by the two factions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State. The Chief Tony Okocha-led faction described Fubara’s invitation to the lawmakers as a welcome development, while the Emeka Beke-led faction commended the governor for keeping to his promise of implementing the Supreme Court judgment.
Former chairmen of Ijaw-dominated local government areas in Rivers State condemned threats by non-state actors over the political crisis in the state. The ex-council bosses assured Nigerians that they would mobilize support to protect oil installations situated in their respective communities.
The ex-LG chairmen called on Governor Fubara to obey and ensure full compliance with the decisions of the Supreme Court. They warned that impeachment was a profound constitutional prescription to penalize any erring governor or president in a presidential system of government.