In a significant move towards implementing the Supreme Court's recent verdict on the political turmoil in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called for a crucial meeting with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This step signals the governor’s commitment to resolving the leadership crisis that has plagued the state’s legislative body.
Last month, the Supreme Court restored Martin Amaewhule as Speaker of the Assembly and reaffirmed the legitimacy of 26 lawmakers who had been sidelined in a prolonged political standoff. The verdict effectively ended the division of the House into two factions – one loyal to Governor Fubara and the other to his predecessor and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The court’s decision also nullified last year’s local elections in Rivers State and halted federal allocations to the state, citing electoral irregularities. Governor Fubara, despite reservations about the ruling, promised to comply in the best interest of the people.
In line with the judgement, the 23 local government council chairpersons, who were elected during the disputed polls, vacated their offices. They have since handed over administrative control to heads of local government administrations. This transition marked the beginning of Fubara’s efforts to align with the Supreme Court's directives.
In a state broadcast, Governor Fubara reiterated his commitment to fully implement the ruling. However, he stated that further action would be taken upon receiving a certified true copy of the judgement, which was recently released.
Meanwhile, tensions between the governor and the Wike-backed lawmakers escalated, as the legislative members issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the governor present the 2025 budget and a list of commissioner nominees for screening. The three-member faction of the House loyal to Fubara had already screened and confirmed some members of his cabinet, but the larger group insisted on their role in the confirmation process.
Governor Fubara has not yet responded to the lawmakers' demands, but he took another step toward compliance with the court’s ruling by inviting all members of the Assembly to a meeting scheduled for Monday at the Government House. The invitation, signed by Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government, outlines the agenda, which includes securing a new location for Assembly sittings, payment of outstanding remuneration to lawmakers, and presenting the 2025 budget.
The political crisis in Rivers State began in the aftermath of Governor Fubara’s fallout with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. This rift led to a division within the state’s legislature, with 27 lawmakers aligning with Wike and a smaller faction backing Fubara. The Supreme Court’s verdict in favor of the Wike-allied legislators has forced Fubara to navigate a difficult political landscape.
The governor’s attempts to implement the ruling are seen by some as a move towards reconciliation, although the path forward remains fraught with tension. Wike, in his first reaction to the judgement, declared that Fubara’s actions amounted to an impeachable offense, a claim that has been echoed by the legislature’s majority faction.
