Just weeks after Rivers State emerged from six months of emergency rule, the uneasy calm between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly has shattered, reigniting the political hostilities that have defined the state’s governance crisis for over a year.
The Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the governor are once again trading accusations, signalling that the peace pact brokered in September may be slipping away.
Assembly Accuses Fubara of Neglecting Schools
At its 31st Legislative Sitting, the Assembly sharply criticised the condition of public schools across the state, lamenting vandalised facilities and crumbling infrastructure. Acting on the findings of the House Committee on Education, lawmakers questioned Governor Fubara’s handling of state resources.
They revived claims that over N600 billion was left in the treasury by former Sole Administrator Rear Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (rtd) and accused the executive of failing to use the funds to address basic educational challenges.
Speaker Amaewhule painted a grim picture: “Primary and secondary schools in Rivers are collapsing. One teacher to two classes, no water, no electricity—and this is happening right next to major institutions. It is abandonment.”
He said that while the government found money for protests, it had stalled the employment of 10,000 workers initiated by the previous administration.
“When it’s time to hire teachers, there is suddenly no money. But for protests, funds appear,” he charged.
Govt Counters: ‘That Notice Wasn’t Meant for Fubara’
In a quick response, the Rivers State Government dismissed reports that the Assembly had issued a notice of misconduct to Governor Fubara. According to the government, no such document was officially directed to or received by the governor, describing the circulating notice as part of an orchestrated narrative to escalate tension.
Fubara: ‘Employment Will Be Based on Real Needs, Not Politics’
Governor Fubara, speaking before the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, said the rot in the education sector did not begin under his watch and insisted his administration was already taking steps to address longstanding problems.
He rejected suggestions that he had abandoned the proposed employment of 10,000 workers:
“I will employ, but only according to what the state genuinely needs. I will not make political appointments just to please certain people.”
The governor insisted that education, healthcare and security remain priorities, citing ongoing work at major zonal hospitals as evidence of progress despite political pressures.
Assembly Declares Support for Tinubu, Reaffirms Loyalty to Wike
In a development that has stirred further controversy, the Assembly passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and called on him to seek re-election in 2027.
The motion, sponsored by House Leader Major Jack and supported by 25 lawmakers, also reaffirmed “unwavering loyalty” to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, regarded as the political godfather of the Assembly’s faction.
Speaker Amaewhule described the president as a “father who deserves continued support.”
Public Backlash: ‘Unproductive and Self-Serving’
The Assembly’s endorsement sparked sharp criticism online. Paul Ibe, spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accused the legislators of ignoring the needs of their constituents.
“No resolution focused on the people of Rivers. All centred on Wike and Tinubu. The most laughable was asking Tinubu to run for 2027 immediately.”
He suggested the lawmakers might be paving the way for renewed instability:
“Is Wike setting the stage for another state of emergency?”
Other social media users echoed the disappointment.
Mazi Onyokpo wrote:
“Misplaced priority. Let them explain why Tinubu deserves another term.”
Another user, @paulnyeso, criticised the Assembly’s silence on insecurity:
“Five RSU students were kidnapped, but that doesn’t matter as long as they sing praises.”
The renewed confrontation between the executive and legislature has raised fears that Rivers State could again spiral into crisis. What was thought to be a fresh start after months of emergency rule now appears to be threatened by old rivalries, political alignments and deep-seated mistrust.
Unless both sides seek genuine reconciliation, analysts warn that Rivers may relive the turmoil it only recently escaped.
Stay with Iwitnesslive.com for continuous updates on the evolving Rivers political crisis.
