Governor Siminalayi Fubara has taken decisive steps to ease political tensions in Rivers State by reaching out to the 27 lawmakers aligned with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
These legislators, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, have been locked in a prolonged power struggle with the governor, creating instability in the state.
To foster cooperation, Fubara made three major concessions. He assured the lawmakers of a designated venue for legislative sessions, addressing the dispute over the Assembly’s sittings since their relocation following a fire incident at the Assembly complex. …CONTINUE READING
He also pledged to settle all outstanding allowances owed to the lawmakers, a key grievance that had fueled the conflict. Additionally, he expressed willingness to present the 2025 state budget before the Assembly, recognizing their role in financial governance.
The invitation for dialogue was formally communicated in a letter from Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, to Speaker Amaewhule. It states, “I hereby write in furtherance of His Excellency’s promise stated in my letter dated 5th 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 -the Honourable members of Rivers State House of Assembly, 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.”
The Supreme Court had recently ruled in favor of the lawmakers, affirming their legitimacy and dismissing claims that they had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
