Uncertainty surrounds the anticipated meeting between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly members led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, scheduled for today, March 10, 2025, at the Government House in Port Harcourt. As of last night, the lawmakers had not confirmed their attendance, casting doubt on whether this first overture from Fubara since a pivotal Supreme Court ruling will proceed as planned. The court’s decision, which ordered the seizure of state allocations and recognized Amaewhule as Speaker, has intensified the ongoing political rift, making this meeting a critical juncture for potential reconciliation or further escalation.
The invitation, dated March 7 and signed by Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government, formally addressed Amaewhule as Speaker and set the meeting for 10 a.m. It follows nearly two years of estrangement, during which Fubara aligned with a rival four-member Assembly faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, even ordering the demolition of the main Assembly complex and declaring the seats of Amaewhule’s 27 lawmakers vacant over their alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Fubara also presented the 2024 and 2025 budgets to the smaller faction, a move later challenged by the Supreme Court, which mandated him to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to Amaewhule’s Assembly. Despite a 48-hour ultimatum from the lawmakers that expired last week, Fubara’s invitation aligns with his March 5 promise to act on the court’s judgment.
The agenda outlined in the letter includes four key items: providing a suitable venue for Assembly sittings, addressing unpaid remuneration and allowances for lawmakers, presenting the 2025 budget, and discussing other matters to advance Rivers State’s interests. However, sources close to the lawmakers suggest they may boycott the meeting, insisting that Fubara first comply with the Supreme Court by re-presenting the budget. One source expressed frustration over the governor’s failure to heed their earlier directive, noting that today’s Assembly agenda is focused solely on receiving Justice Adolphus Enebeli, Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC), not engaging with Fubara.
Tensions are palpable. Lawmaker Lolo Isaiah Opuende, in an online video, dismissed reconciliation prospects, urging both sides to operate independently and questioning the informal dissemination of the invitation via social media rather than official channels. Another anonymous source criticized the governor’s approach, arguing that correspondence should come directly from Fubara, not the SSG, and that the Assembly, not the executive, holds constitutional oversight authority. This source also deemed the agenda illogical, questioning the need to negotiate statutory allowances or sitting arrangements when the Assembly can independently choose its venue.
Despite the skepticism, Ambassador Kennedy Tonjo-West of MOSIEND praised Fubara’s initiative, viewing it as a vital step toward peace and urging lawmakers to attend with an open mind. Meanwhile, the crisis deepens with related developments: Enebeli’s refusal to honor an Assembly summons has led to a 72-hour extension of his ultimatum, expiring today, while 19 commissioners, deemed illegally appointed by the Assembly, have filed a lawsuit to protect their positions. Former Ijaw local government chairmen also condemned threats of violence over potential impeachment moves, calling for adherence to the Supreme Court ruling and dismissing ethnic-based intimidation as unrepresentative of Rivers State’s diverse populace. As the clock ticks toward 10 a.m., the outcome of this proposed meeting remains uncertain, with the potential to either mend or further fracture the state’s political landscape.
I dont understand why theres so much drama around this meeting. Cant they just sit down and sort things out?
Is Fubara dodging responsibility or protecting himself? Lets speculate on the real reason behind the uncertainty. What do you think?
I think Fubara should just meet with the lawmakers and clear the air. Whats there to lose, right?
Do you think the meeting between Fubara and Rivers State lawmakers will actually happen? Uncertainty is the name of the game!
Is this meeting just a formality or could it lead to real ce? Lets hope for the best!