The political landscape of Rivers State continues to be a battleground as Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, along with their respective loyalists, vie for dominance.
Conflict Over Budget Approval
On Tuesday, Fubara-aligned lawmakers, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, condemned a resolution by the Martin Amaewhule-led House that barred Governor Fubara from spending public funds. This resolution was passed on Monday, prompting a strong response from Fubara’s supporters.
The pro-Wike lawmakers had issued an ultimatum demanding the state budget be re-presented to them within seven days for approval. Governor Fubara declined, having already presented the budget to a different set of lawmakers loyal to him, led by Edison Ehie, now his chief of staff. Ehie and his group had approved the budget, which Fubara subsequently signed into law.
Legislative Defections and House Division
The current conflict extends beyond budget issues. In December 2023, Martin Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers loyal to Wike defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), causing a major rift in the Rivers State House of Assembly. Fubara’s loyalists argue that these defectors are no longer legitimate members of the legislative house, a stance that is being contested in court.
Efforts to reconcile the divided house have so far failed, resulting in two factions: one led by Amaewhule and the other by Oko-Jumbo. The Oko-Jumbo-led assembly has declared the resolutions of the Amaewhule-led group as unfounded and invalid, citing the defection and subsequent vacancy declarations by former Speaker Edison Ehie.
Constitutional Arguments and Legal Stance
Victor Oko-Jumbo asserted that the constitutional provisions regarding defection are self-executing, reinforcing his group’s claim to legal recognition. He noted that Governor Fubara had properly presented the appropriation bill, which was duly passed and signed into law.
Oko-Jumbo emphasized that the assembly is awaiting the presentation of the medium-term expenditure framework for the 2025 fiscal year and urged the public to disregard the pronouncements of the Amaewhule faction. He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-elections to fill the 25 vacant seats in the house.
Bottom Line
The political struggle in Rivers State highlights deep divisions within its legislative body, fueled by loyalty shifts and contested authority. As the battle between Fubara and Wike’s factions continues, the resolution of these conflicts will be crucial for the state’s governance and political stability.
