Rivers State is engulfed in political turmoil following a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of the state’s House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The ruling has escalated tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the legislative arm, raising fears of a possible impeachment.
The Supreme Court, in a 62-page judgment on case SC/CV/1174/2024, dismissed claims that 27 lawmakers had defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Justice Emmanuel Agim, who signed the ruling, stated that the governor had no constitutional backing to recognize only four lawmakers while disregarding the rest.
Following the verdict, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Fubara to present the 2025 budget. The directive was reinforced by a Supreme Court ruling halting federal allocations to the state and freezing expenditure from the Consolidated Revenue Fund until an Appropriation Bill is passed.
Escalating Conflict
In response, Governor Fubara directed the state’s Independent Electoral Commission to conduct fresh local government elections and instructed outgoing local government chairmen to hand over power to Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs). However, the Assembly condemned this move as unconstitutional, citing provisions in the 1999 Constitution and a 2023 Rivers State law prohibiting unelected officials from administering local governments.
The Assembly’s stance has fueled speculations of an impeachment attempt. The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, in a media interview, supported impeachment if Fubara had committed any impeachable offense. Similarly, Rivers APC Chairman, Tony Okocha, urged Fubara to resign or face removal.
However, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) warned against any attempt to remove Fubara, emphasizing that such an action could destabilize the Niger Delta region. INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba argued that the Supreme Court’s ruling failed to recognize the historical sacrifices of the Ijaw people in Rivers politics.
A pro-Fubara group, Supreme Council for Sim Worldwide, also cautioned against impeachment, warning that such an action could lead to unrest.
Failed Reconciliation Efforts
In a bid to ease tensions, Governor Fubara invited the lawmakers for a reconciliation meeting. However, the invitation, sent via a public letter, was dismissed by Assembly members, who insisted that a formal approach was necessary. Speaker Amaewhule and other lawmakers reportedly ignored Fubara’s calls and refused to grant him access to the Assembly complex when he arrived to present the budget.
Despite this, Fubara maintained that his actions were in line with the Supreme Court ruling and aimed at serving the people. Analysts, however, believe the lawmakers’ refusal to engage stemmed from the governor’s earlier disregard for their ultimatum.
Governance at a Standstill
The ongoing conflict has left governance in Rivers State in limbo. With the Supreme Court freezing state allocations and budget approvals stalled, social services, infrastructure projects, and salary payments are at risk.
Despite impeachment speculations, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, dismissed the possibility, citing constitutional hurdles that require presidential backing for such a move. He urged both factions to resolve their differences to prevent further stagnation in governance.
Similarly, Rivers State APC spokesman, Chibike Ikenga, distanced the party from any impeachment agenda, insisting that the crisis should be resolved through dialogue.
Calls for Peace and Stability
The INC and other stakeholders have called for peace, stressing that Rivers people are the ones suffering from the ongoing political impasse. Political analyst Dr. Omenazu Jackson urged both factions to prioritize governance over personal disputes, warning that continued conflict could destabilize the state.
“The legislature, executive, and judiciary must work together to ensure development. This power struggle has stalled progress, and the people of Rivers State are bearing the brunt,” Jackson said.
He also urged the Federal Government to intervene politically, allowing the state to access its monthly allocation despite the Supreme Court ruling.
As the crisis deepens, the people of Rivers State remain caught in the crossfire, with no clear resolution in sight.
