Fubara Invites Pro-Wike Lawmakers for Talks, Vows to Settle Outstanding Allowances

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has extended an olive branch to pro-Wike lawmakers, inviting them for a crucial meeting while promising to clear all outstanding allowances. Could this signal an end to the political crisis in the state?

Governor Similanayi Fubara of Rivers State has called for a meeting with the 27 lawmakers who are aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This gathering is scheduled to take place at Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday. Previously, these lawmakers, under the leadership of Speaker Martins Amaewhule, had issued an ultimatum giving Governor Fubara 48 hours to present the state budget for 2025.

The invitation was communicated through a letter dated March 9, and signed by Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government.

The letter mentioned: “I am writing to follow up on His Excellency’s promise outlined in my previous correspondence dated March 5, 2025. I wish to inform you that His Excellency has received the Supreme Court Judgment and has instructed me to invite you and your colleagues—the esteemed members of the Rivers State House of Assembly—to a meeting for further discussion.”

(i) Providing an appropriate space for the Assembly’s meetings; (ii) Settling all outstanding remuneration or allowances owed to the Honourable members; (iii) Presenting the budget and addressing various related matters; (iv) Addressing any other issues necessary to determine a forward path that serves the best interest of the State.

Following the above, I am pleased to invite the Rt. Hon. Speaker and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to a meeting with the Governor on Monday, 10th March 2025 at 10:00 AM in the Office of the Governor, Government House, Port Harcourt.

Thank you, Sir. We eagerly anticipate your presence as we work together to develop a path forward for the benefit of the people of Rivers State.

Previously, the lawmakers called for the dismissal of commissioners and board members who had not been screened by the Assembly. They also summoned the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) to discuss plans for holding new local government elections.

Governor Fubara’s invitation seems to be a move towards resolving the current political standoff. The upcoming meeting is anticipated to address crucial matters, such as budget presentation and legislative issues.