Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the state’s lawmakers to prioritize the interests of the people and embrace peace to resolve the lingering political crisis.
Speaking on Thursday while commissioning projects in Okrika Local Government Area, Fubara stressed the need for unity, stating that peace is crucial for effective governance.
“It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace,” the governor said, urging all political actors to move past their grievances and fully implement the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025, ruling.
Despite Fubara’s appeal, the standoff between his administration and the Rivers State House of Assembly, backed by his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, continues to escalate.
On Wednesday, the governor was denied entry into the Assembly Quarters, where he had intended to re-present the 2025 budget as required by the House following the Supreme Court judgment.
Fubara claimed he had formally notified Speaker Martins Amaewhule, but the Assembly insisted it received no communication.
Meanwhile, Wike, speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, defended the lawmakers’ actions, asserting that they had the constitutional right to remove the governor if he committed impeachable offenses.
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He also accused Fubara of withholding lawmakers’ salaries.
The Supreme Court’s ruling had recognized Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker and placed restrictions on the state government’s financial transactions, ordering compliance with previous court directives.
The ruling also nullified the local government elections held on October 5, 2024, and directed Fubara to conduct fresh polls and re-present the budget to the Amaewhule-led House.
The ongoing crisis raises concerns about governance in Rivers State, with tensions showing no signs of easing.
While Fubara remains open to peace talks, the impasse with the legislature continues to threaten stability in the oil-rich state.
Observers now await the next steps from both camps, as political maneuvering intensifies ahead of the implementation of the Supreme Court’s directives.