The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, has reacted to an invitation from Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a meeting scheduled on Monday, March 10, 2025. The invitation, which was extended through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, has stirred controversy due to its unconventional nature – the governor communicated with the Assembly members through social media, rather than an official letter.
The meeting, as stated in the invitation, was to address important issues including the provision of sitting space for the Assembly, payment of outstanding allowances, and the presentation of the 2025 budget. While some of the 27 Assembly members loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike have hinted at rejecting the invitation unless their conditions are met, others have voiced concerns over the way the invitation was made.
Isaiah Opuende, the representative for Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, expressed displeasure, pointing out that using social media to invite lawmakers was disrespectful. He further emphasized that the governor should communicate through proper channels, stating:
"How can you wire a letter and post it on social media and expect us to honour it? You know we are not kids. The governor should properly write to the Assembly. That’s all."
This sentiment was echoed by former local government chairmen loyal to the Wike camp, who mocked the governor’s invitation in a viral video. The group, including former Chairman of Ikwerre LG, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, sang and danced in mockery of Fubara’s efforts to engage with the Assembly, chanting, “Dey your dey, make I dey my dey, dey your dey, nobody worry Amaewhule”.
Despite this, APC factions in the state, such as the Tony Okocha-led faction, have welcomed the invitation as a positive step towards resolving the ongoing crisis between the executive and legislative branches. Chibuike Ikenga, the Publicity Secretary for the faction, expressed hope that this move would lead to peace-building efforts.
"Our position as a party is to the effect that whatever will bring lasting peace to Rivers State is what we support," Ikenga said.
Following the Supreme Court’s affirmation of the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, the lawmakers had called for the presentation of the 2025 budget and demanded the submission of nominees for commissioner positions. However, Fubara’s failure to act on these requests raised tensions, especially after the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) chairman was not summoned as requested.
In an effort to settle matters, the SSG Dr. Tammy Danagogo officially invited the lawmakers through a letter, offering resolutions to the issues surrounding sitting space and outstanding allowances. The governor's invitation, coupled with recent actions, is seen as a step toward resolving the tensions within the state's political landscape, but the response remains mixed as some members are waiting for proper communication and the resolution of their conditions.
Meanwhile, Ijaw leaders in the state have condemned threats from non-state actors regarding Fubara’s impeachment. These groups had previously threatened to disrupt oil production if Fubara faced impeachment. The ex-LG chairmen reaffirmed their support for the Supreme Court judgment, calling on the governor to comply with the ruling and emphasizing that such threats should not derail the state's efforts toward peace.
Ultimately, the political dynamics in Rivers State remain tense, and the unfolding events will likely have significant implications for governance and the future political stability of the region.
