A group of 27 lawmakers in Rivers State, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, have rejected an invitation from Governor Siminalayi Fubara to attend a meeting, citing procedural irregularities. The lawmakers, led by Martin Ameawhule, demanded that the invitation be properly channeled through official means rather than social media, escalating the ongoing political standoff in the state.
Hon. Isaiah Opuende, representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, spoke on behalf of the lawmakers, criticizing the governor for using social media to issue the invitation. “How can you write a letter for the House of Assembly and put it on social media and expect us to come?” Opuende said, adding in local parlance, “Dey your dey, make we dey our dey,” emphasizing their refusal to engage under the current terms.
The rejection comes amid a 72-hour ultimatum issued by the Assembly, demanding that the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and his commissioners appear before the House. The lawmakers seek accountability for the 2024 local government elections and funds allegedly spent without appropriation, further intensifying tensions over the state’s political and financial governance.
This dispute is part of a broader crisis in Rivers State, ongoing for over 18 months, stemming from a rift between Governor Fubara and Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The conflict, which began in October 2023, has divided the Rivers State House of Assembly into pro-Fubara and pro-Wike factions. Attempts to impeach Fubara, the burning of the Assembly chambers, and failed peace accords mediated by President Bola Tinubu have marked the crisis. Recent Supreme Court rulings have affirmed the legitimacy of the Ameawhule-led faction, adding to the complexity of the situation.
The governor’s invitation, sent through Secretary to the State Government Dr. Tammy Danagogo, was intended to address these issues, but the lawmakers’ refusal highlights the deep-seated divisions. Political analysts suggest the standoff could delay resolutions on critical state matters, including local elections and budget approvals, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
Read more: Gov Fubara meets Amaewhule-led lawmakers over S’ Court judgment
It bears mentioning that as of March 10, 2025, the political landscape in Rivers State remains tense, with no immediate resolution in sight. The rejection of the meeting invitation underscores the challenges of governance in a state divided by loyalty and ambition, leaving residents hopeful yet uncertain about the future.
