The political crisis in Rivers State has intensified following a Supreme Court judgment that has shaken the state’s governance structure. The ruling discredited the local government elections and reinstated 27 defected lawmakers to the Rivers State House of Assembly. Since their reinstatement, the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly has been making moves to reassert its authority in the state.
Lawmakers Demand Compliance from Fubara
Following their return, the reinstated lawmakers issued ultimatums to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The Assembly has demanded that the governor present the state budget for approval before the now fully constituted House and has also summoned the RSIEC chairman to answer queries regarding the annulled local government elections.
The Growing Rift Between Fubara and Wike
These developments have heightened political tensions, with the ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, becoming more pronounced. Many political observers believe that if the crisis continues unchecked, Fubara’s position as governor could be at serious risk. The fundamental question now being asked across Rivers State is whether Governor Fubara will be impeached.
The Threat of Impeachment Looms
Throughout his conflict with Wike, Governor Fubara has faced persistent impeachment threats from the state legislature. His critics accuse him of mismanagement and claim he is unfit to govern Rivers State. The reinstatement of the defected lawmakers, far from easing tensions, has only escalated the conflict.
In a bid to mend relations, Fubara, through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, invited the lawmakers to a meeting at the Government House. However, the lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, rejected the invitation, citing procedural irregularities.
Hon. Isaiah Opuende, speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, criticized the governor’s approach, saying:
“Dey your dey, make we dey our dey. How can you send a letter, post it on social media, and expect us to honor it? We are not kids. The Governor should write to the Assembly properly.”
This response made it clear that the lawmakers have no intention of reconciling with Fubara.
Calls for Resignation or Impeachment
The political heat further intensified when the Chairman of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Okocha, publicly demanded that Governor Fubara either resign or face impeachment. During a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Okocha accused the governor of mismanaging the state, arguing that Fubara’s leadership had plunged Rivers into crisis.
According to Okocha, the Supreme Court’s verdict suggested that there was no functional government in Rivers State due to multiple infractions committed by Fubara, which he described as impeachable offenses. He also asserted that the governor had lost the authority to summon Assembly members for discussions, reinforcing the growing divide.
What Lies Ahead for Fubara?
With mounting opposition from the state legislature and calls for his resignation growing louder, Governor Fubara faces a daunting political battle. His ability to navigate this crisis will determine whether he retains his position or succumbs to the pressures of impeachment. For now, Rivers State remains on edge, watching closely as the power struggle unfolds.
