The political crisis between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state House of Assembly has escalated further. The governor’s attempt to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill has encountered a significant setback, as lawmakers have indefinitely suspended legislative activities.
Governor Fubara had written to the House on March 13, informing Speaker Martin Amaewhule of his intention to re-submit the budget for consideration. In the letter, Fubara noted that he planned to present the budget on March 19 or any other date the Assembly deemed appropriate. He stated that this move was in line with a Supreme Court judgment and a response to lawmakers’ request.
However, in an unexpected turn of events, the House of Assembly adjourned indefinitely on Friday, effectively stalling any immediate deliberation on the budget. During the session, presided over by Speaker Amaewhule, the lawmakers passed three bills, which they announced would be forwarded to the governor for assent.
A statement by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, noted, “In furtherance of one of its tripod functions, the Rivers State House of Assembly, on Friday, at its 136th legislative sitting, passed three bills, which will be forwarded to His Excellency, the governor, for assent.”
Speaker Amaewhule also commented on the development, explaining that the Assembly was simply aligning its legislative functions with the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act of 2017, which grants specific rights and protections to lawmakers.
Meanwhile, tensions are building in Abalama, a community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, as supporters of Governor Fubara and those backing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, appear to be on a collision course.
Reports indicate that both groups have chosen the same venue for separate events. The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, planned to hold its congress at the Abalama Community Secondary School field, while another group, the New Associates, selected the same location for a grand reception in Wike’s honor.
This development follows recent remarks allegedly made by Wike, where he reportedly claimed that the Ijaw people were a minority in the Niger Delta. The New Associates, in response, have mobilized supporters for a large turnout during the reception, aiming to celebrate Wike for his contributions to the Kalabari Kingdom.
Dr. Enemi George, Chairman of the group’s Publicity Committee, noted in a statement that chiefs, leaders, women, and youths were eager to welcome the former governor. “He (Wike) has done much for the kingdom and he deserves to be celebrated. We are calling on our chiefs, leaders, women, youths, and stakeholders of the Kalabari Kingdom to make that day special.”
However, the IYC has insisted that its congress will proceed as planned at the same location, setting the stage for a potential standoff. Anxiety has gripped the community, with some residents reportedly considering leaving the area due to fears of a possible clash between Ijaw youths and security personnel expected in Wike’s entourage.
