The political crisis in Rivers State is yet to abate as the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly has refused Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s invitation, saying it was not sent properly.
The lawmakers, who are loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, insist that the governor should send a formal invitation instead of using social media.
The lawmakers’ reaction came after Fubara invited them to a meeting on Monday, March 11, 2025, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the meeting was meant to discuss important issues such as providing a space for the Assembly to sit, paying the lawmakers’ outstanding allowances, and presenting the 2025 budget.
However, signs indicate that the 27 lawmakers who support Wike will refuse to attend the meeting unless Fubara formally invites them.
One of the lawmakers, Isaiah Opuende from Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, strongly criticized the governor’s method of communication.
“How can you send a letter and post it on social media and expect us to accept it? We are not kids. The governor should properly write to the Assembly. That’s all,” Opuende said.
The situation became more dramatic when former local government chairmen who served under Wike released a viral video mocking Fubara’s invitation.
Led by former Ikwerre LG Chairman, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, the group danced and sang in a way that showed their support for Speaker Amaewhule and their rejection of Fubara.
Tensions increased after the Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of the Amaewhule-led Assembly. In their first sitting after the ruling, the lawmakers asked Fubara to present the 2025 budget and submit names of commissioner nominees for approval, arguing that the current cabinet was not legally recognized.
They also summoned the Chairman and Commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to appear before them.
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Fubara’s administration was careful in its response. The Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, said the government was waiting for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before taking any action. The CTC was finally released on Thursday and published widely on Friday.
In an effort to build a relationship, SSG Danagogo wrote a letter to Speaker Amaewhule on Sunday, stating the governor’s willingness to meet with the lawmakers. The letter mentioned the need to discuss a legislative chamber, the 2025 budget, and other governance matters.
However, since the lawmakers insist on receiving a formal invitation, it is likely they will ignore the meeting. This situation comes as the 72-hour deadline given to the RSIEC chairman to appear before the Assembly ends today. Amaewhule also criticized Fubara during a plenary session on Friday for failing to submit commissioner nominees for approval.
The ongoing disagreement between Fubara’s administration and the Amaewhule-led Assembly shows the deepening power struggle in Rivers State. As both sides refuse to back down, the crisis could disrupt governance, making it difficult for important legislative and executive duties to be carried out.
