The political crisis in Rivers State has escalated further as the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly issued conditions before accepting an invitation from Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a crucial meeting scheduled for today.
Legislators Reject Invitation via Social Media
The lawmakers, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, insisted that the governor should formally communicate with them instead of relying on social media to extend the invitation.
Isaiah Opuende, the lawmaker representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, criticized the governor’s approach, stating, “How can you wire a letter and post it on social media and expect us to honour it? We are not kids. The governor should properly write to the Assembly. That’s all.”
Adding to the tension, a viral video surfaced showing some former local government chairmen who served during Wike’s tenure mocking Fubara’s invitation.
Led by ex-Ikwerre LG chairman, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, the group sang, “Dey your dey, make I dey my dey,” in apparent ridicule of the governor’s prior dismissive stance towards the lawmakers.
Key Issues on the Table
Fubara’s invitation, conveyed through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, outlined pressing matters for discussion. These include:
- Provision of a designated legislative space for the Assembly.
- Payment of outstanding remuneration and allowances.
- Presentation of the 2025 budget.
- Other legislative matters aimed at resolving the political impasse.
The invitation followed the Supreme Court’s release of its Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment affirming the legitimacy of the pro-Wike lawmakers.
Despite this, the lawmakers had issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) chairman and commissioners to appear before them.
Political Reactions
The governor’s move to reconcile with the lawmakers has drawn mixed reactions from different factions of the All-Progressives Congress (APC).
The Tony Okocha-led faction, aligned with Wike, welcomed the development, stating that any effort to restore peace in Rivers State is a step in the right direction.
Chibuike Ikenga, the APC spokesperson in the state, remarked, “The Supreme Court has settled the legitimacy issue, but interpersonal reconciliation is key. We support dialogue that will lead to a final resolution.”
Similarly, Chizi Entire, Chief of Staff to the Emeka Beke-led APC, described the invitation as a “win-win situation,” commending Fubara for respecting the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Former LG Chairs Condemn Threats
Meanwhile, former chairmen of Ijaw-dominated local governments condemned threats from non-state actors over the political turmoil.
Some groups had previously warned of disruptions to oil production should Fubara face impeachment.
The ex-LG bosses, who were Wike’s allies but lost out in the tenure extension dispute, urged security agencies to enforce the Supreme Court judgment and restore stability in the state.
They criticized certain Ijaw groups for using ethnic sentiments to fuel political unrest, stating, “It is unfortunate that some organizations are instigating violence under the guise of defending Ijaw interests.”
With the governor’s invitation coinciding with the expiration of the lawmakers’ ultimatum to the RSIEC, all eyes are on the today’s meeting.
The political future of Rivers State hinges on whether both parties can reach a compromise or if the crisis will deepen further.
