The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has dismissed an invitation from Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a meeting, insisting that he must formally communicate with them rather than using social media.
The lawmakers were invited to Government House on Monday, March 10, to discuss key issues, including sitting space for the Assembly, unpaid allowances, and the 2025 budget. However, 27 members loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike have refused to attend unless the invitation is properly conveyed.
Isaiah Opuende, representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, criticised the governor for the informal approach, in an online video. “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. Thank you,” he said.
Some former local government chairmen who served under Wike mocked the invitation in a viral video, singing, “Dey your dey, make I dey my dey,” in reference to Fubara’s past remarks distancing himself from the lawmakers.
Following a Supreme Court ruling affirming the Assembly’s legitimacy, the lawmakers had demanded the governor present the 2025 budget and submit commissioner nominees. They also summoned the chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to appear before them on Monday.
READ ALSO: Fubara Calls Meeting with Amaewhule-Led Lawmakers Over Assembly Sittings, Budget
Fubara’s government, however, stated it was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment before taking action. The document was released on Thursday and published in national newspapers.
In response, Secretary to the State Government Tammy Danagogo sent a letter on Sunday to Speaker Amaewhule, inviting the lawmakers to meet with the governor.
The letter read, “I hereby write in furtherance of His Excellency’s promise stated in my letter dated 5 March 2025 to notify you that His Excellency has received the Supreme Court judgment, and has, therefore, directed me to invite you and your colleagues… to a meeting to discuss: provision of a befitting space for the Assembly’s sittings, payment of all outstanding remuneration or allowances of the Honourable members, presentation of budget and sundry matters.”
With the 72-hour deadline for the RSIEC chairman to appear before the Assembly expiring on Monday, tensions remain high between the legislature and the executive.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) factions in Rivers State reacted differently to the invitation. The Tony Okocha-led faction, loyal to Wike, welcomed the development.
“Whatever will bring lasting peace to Rivers State is what we support,” APC spokesman Chibuike Ikenga said. The Emeka Beke-led faction also saw the move as positive, with Chief of Staff Chizi Entire calling it a “win-win situation.”