The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has reached a critical juncture, with the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration locked in a tense standoff.
The implications of this prolonged conflict could have dire consequences for governance, the economy, and the well-being of the people of Rivers State.
The political tension in Rivers State began following an attempt to impeach Governor Fubara on October 30, 2023. Since then, the state has been in a constant state of political turmoil, with legal battles, executive-legislative conflicts, and judicial interventions.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, further intensified the crisis.
The judgment covered key issues, including the state’s revenue allocation, the annulment of the 2024 local government elections, and the need for a fresh presentation of the 2025 budget.
Governor Fubara, in an effort to comply with the court’s decision, directed that local government chairmen vacate their offices and appointed Heads of Local Government Administrations (HLGAs) in their place.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) responded by setting August 9, 2025, as the date for fresh local government elections.
However, the House of Assembly, led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, has remained uncooperative, issuing ultimatums and even attempting to arrest RSIEC officials.
The Legislative Standoff
One of the major points of contention is the re-presentation of the 2025 budget. The House of Assembly initially gave Governor Fubara a 48-hour deadline to submit the budget, but when he attempted to do so, they refused to acknowledge it. Further complicating matters, the legislative body declared his appointments of 19 commissioners illegal, leading the affected commissioners to take legal action against the Assembly.
Governor Fubara extended an olive branch by inviting the lawmakers to a meeting at the Government House to discuss governance issues, including the budget, unpaid salaries, and legislative workspace arrangements.
However, the Assembly rejected the invitation, criticizing the governor for routing the letter through the Secretary to the State Government.
Even after the governor personally sent a second invitation and followed up with phone calls, the Assembly remained defiant.
On March 12, 2025, when Governor Fubara attempted to present the budget at the Assembly’s current sitting location, he was denied access.
The lawmakers later claimed they were unaware of the governor’s letter, despite its publication in national dailies. In a surprising move, the House announced an indefinite recess, effectively stalling governance in the state.
Consequences for Governance and the People
The prolonged stalemate between the executive and legislative arms of government poses serious threats to the governance and stability of Rivers State.
The most immediate concern is the financial paralysis caused by the legal dispute over budgetary approvals. Without an approved budget, the government may struggle to pay salaries, pensions, and fund critical projects.
Furthermore, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation have been instructed to withhold federal revenue allocations to Rivers State until the Supreme Court’s judgment is fully implemented.
This financial blockade will have far-reaching effects, grounding government operations and potentially triggering economic hardship for civil servants, pensioners, and businesses that rely on government contracts.
Political and Social Implications
The crisis is not only an administrative hurdle but also a potential source of social unrest. Rivers State has a history of political volatility, and a prolonged standoff could lead to protests, strikes, and even violence. If the local government elections in August 2025 are not conducted smoothly, the state could be plunged into deeper chaos, further affecting governance and development.
Additionally, the power struggle between Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly reflects the lingering influence of former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Many political observers view the crisis as a proxy battle between Fubara and Wike’s loyalists, with wider implications for the state’s political landscape and the 2027 general elections.
The Way Forward
To resolve this crisis, all parties must prioritize the interests of Rivers State over political rivalries.
The House of Assembly must acknowledge the governor’s constitutional role and engage in constructive dialogue rather than obstruction.
Governor Fubara, on his part, should continue reaching out to the lawmakers while seeking alternative legal avenues to ensure governance continues unhindered.
Civil society organizations, traditional rulers, and religious leaders should also play a mediating role in de-escalating the crisis.
The judiciary must remain impartial and ensure that all parties abide by the rule of law.
The ongoing crisis in Rivers State is a test of the resilience of democratic governance in Nigeria.
While political disagreements are a natural part of democracy, they should not be allowed to cripple governance and harm the people.
It is imperative that all stakeholders act swiftly to resolve the impasse, ensuring that the state remains stable and functional.
The people of Rivers State deserve leadership that prioritizes progress over political power struggles.
