A coalition of opposition legislators has voiced robust support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, commending him for adhering to the Supreme Court’s ruling despite ongoing opposition from lawmakers aligned with former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
In a live press conference held on Wednesday, the coalition denounced the actions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martins Amaewhule, for preventing Governor Fubara from entering the Assembly complex to present his budget. The pro-Wike legislators, who have been convening at their quarters on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, were accused of intentionally hindering the governor’s initiatives.
During the conference, opposition spokesperson Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere highlighted that Governor Fubara had extended an invitation to the pro-Wike lawmakers for a meeting aimed at resolving the ongoing political turmoil for the benefit of Rivers State residents. However, he noted that they declined to participate, opting instead to remain loyal to their political patron.
Ugochinyere praised the governor’s patience and commitment to promoting peace, asserting that Fubara’s actions exemplified genuine democratic leadership. He mentioned that the governor had formally reached out to the lawmakers through a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo.
Dated March 7, 2025, the letter informed the lawmakers of the receipt of the Supreme Court’s judgment and invited them to discuss critical matters, including the provision of an appropriate venue for Assembly sessions, the resolution of outstanding salaries and allowances, and the presentation of the state budget.
Despite this outreach, the lawmakers disregarded the invitation. Ugochinyere further criticized them for obstructing the governor’s access to present the 2025 budget, contending that they forfeited their positions the moment they defected from the party under which they were elected.
He noted that although the Supreme Court ruling mandated the governor to acknowledge them, it was unexpected that Fubara accepted the decision without reservation and promptly began to implement it.
He further alleged that the pro-Wike faction was attempting to manipulate local government regulations to reinstate former chairpersons who had already vacated their positions.
He claimed that their true aim was to obstruct the state government from holding local government elections by hindering the approval of the appropriation bill.
He commended Governor Fubara for adhering to the court’s directive regarding the budget presentation and highlighted that the governor had made efforts to engage with Assembly members for discussions—an initiative that Wike himself would likely have avoided.
He remarked that the pro-Wike legislators, however, chose to boycott the meeting, indicating that their main goal was to create instability within the state.
Ugochinyere also disclosed that Governor Fubara had attempted to contact Speaker Amaewhule multiple times concerning the budget presentation, but the Speaker had declined to respond to his calls.
He characterized this behavior as evidence that those opposing the governor were more focused on fostering disorder than on serving the citizens of Rivers State.
He accused Wike of being the instigator from the outset of the conflict and reiterated that opposition lawmakers would not permit him and his associates to lead the state into chaos.
In conclusion, he praised Governor Fubara for his humility and perseverance, asserting that despite ongoing provocations, he remained dedicated to governance and the advancement of Rivers State.
