Rivers Crisis: Lawmakers Challenge Fubara’s Claims, Address Impeachment Allegations & Indefinite Adjournment

Rivers lawmakers dispute Governor Fubara’s statements, clarify impeachment speculations, and explain the reasons behind their indefinite adjournment.

The confrontation between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state House of Assembly members recently escalated to a new level.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision to reinstate lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a series of verbal clashes has erupted between Governor and Speaker Martins Amaewhule along with his group of 27 lawmakers.

The lawmaker clarified the governor’s letter to the Assembly, addressed reports of an indefinite adjournment, alleged impeachment efforts, and other pressing issues.

Governor Fabara stated that the Assembly is hindering his attempts to present the 2025 budget in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling. What is the problem?

We have been urging the governor to present the budget, but he has not done so. The governor alleged that he wrote to us and attempted to enter the House of Assembly Quarters for a budget presentation, claiming we prevented his entry; this is completely false. At no point did the governor send any communication as claimed. Previously, he had communicated with us when presenting supplementary budgets and requesting commissioner screenings.

This is a straightforward process, and nothing has changed. Initially, his aide claimed that they had sent a letter via WhatsApp. This was not done, and such a letter never existed at the time. Now we see his supposed letter circulating on social media where he states his intention to present the 2025 budget—again, this didn’t happen. Clearly, the intended audience for this message isn’t us; it’s aimed at garnering public sentiment instead of genuine communication with us or addressing our concerns directly. I have already challenged him to provide evidence of any correspondence he supposedly sent to the House of Assembly because I believe he’s being insincere in these actions. The governor seems more interested in playing games than earnestly considering what’s best for Rivers’ people.

Right after the Supreme Court decision, we reached out to him requesting that he present the budget within 48 hours. We estimated that by the 15th of this month, a budget hearing would have taken place and it could be passed by the 16th. This timeline allows us two weeks for negotiations with the federal government so funds can be released and allocations distributed promptly, ensuring people receive their salaries on time.

We have pensioners, including my mother, who rely on their pensions. It’s in our best interest for the budget to be passed because the governor is accountable to us as well. However, his ego and personal interests seem to be hindering progress. Without a finalized budget, it suggests that what he presented was merely symbolic with no substance behind it. He should have communicated directly with us by saying something like “Please give me some time so I can work things out,” which would allow us to plan accordingly. Unfortunately, the governor has not been transparent; there are no letters from him in the House of Assembly—only announcements we’ve seen on social media.

Was the governor really locked out of the Assembly complex by lawmakers as many reports suggest?

That is incorrect. Keep in mind that the governor demolished the House of Assembly complex after our Hallowed Chamber was burned; he destroyed the entire structure with all of our personal belongings still inside. At that point, we had no choice but to relocate to where we reside, which includes a bouquet hall in our residential quarters.

The bouquet has been transformed into the chamber. Legally, if a motion is passed by majority vote, we can hold plenary sessions anywhere; this led us to use the bouquet hall for our meetings. The governor visited the House of Assembly quarters’ residence where this hall is centrally located within that area.

This area is where the Assembly members reside, so the gate remains locked at all times. Visitors are only granted entry if their name has been provided in advance to alert them of your visit. It’s important to note that this space isn’t public; unlike office areas, access here requires prior notification and approval. When a visitor’s name is submitted beforehand, staff will be informed about who to expect and grant access upon arrival.

The governor arrived at the gate, paused briefly, and then began a press conference. In less than five minutes, he had left. Even though we’re still present at the House of Assembly complex, it is customary to inform the Speaker in writing about your intention to present the budget on a specific day. If that date isn’t feasible for us, we can respond by saying: “Your Excellency, that day doesn’t coincide with our sitting schedule.” Furthermore, even if we assign a date to meet and he arrives at the House of Assembly complex as planned; according to our standing order procedures require motion approval before allowing him into the chamber.

We initiate a motion and, if it receives majority support, we grant approval for him to enter. At that point, an announcement will be made stating that the governor and his guests have been permitted entry. Prior to his departure, another motion must also be initiated. This is the usual procedure; one cannot simply walk in unannounced as it follows ceremonial protocol.

The governor is attempting to manipulate public sentiment by portraying us negatively, suggesting he wishes to present the budget but we are obstructing him. He seems to have forgotten that we were the ones who initially invited him to present the budget. When our staff was dispatched to deliver a letter at the government house, they were met with hostility and turned away upon disclosing their affiliation with the House of Assembly.

Governor Fubara appointed his commissioners in 2024. Why is the Assembly now requesting that he submit a new list of commissioners?

After the Supreme Court invalidated his commissioners, we wrote to the governor. We suggested setting aside personal differences and acknowledged that he currently has no commissioners. We encouraged him to send us a list of new appointees—whether they are the same individuals or not is fine with us.

We requested that he simply send us the list for approval to ensure Rivers State legally has commissioners. Instead, he declined our request and advised the commissioners to take legal action against us. The next day, we learned they had indeed filed a lawsuit. Additionally, the governor ordered all government agencies not to accept any correspondence from us.

You invited Hon. Justice Adolphus Enebeli, the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). What was the purpose of the invitation?

We extended an invitation to the RISEC Chairman to discuss his election preparations with us. However, he declined our letter under the governor’s orders. How can we function as an Assembly if we’re unable to communicate with the executive?

Why did the House request that the Department of State Services (DSS) investigate the Chief Judge of the State for alleged age falsification before conducting its own investigation into the matter?

Upon receiving the petition to investigate the Chief Judge, our only option was to reach out to a federal agency with the authority to conduct such an investigation, as we were not permitted to do so ourselves. Although inviting them would be futile since they have been directed not to accept any correspondence from us, we decided that transferring this responsibility might encourage cooperation; perhaps they will respond favorably when approached by a federal agency.

Why was an indefinite adjournment called when the House and the executive should be collaborating to address issues?

The impression being created about our adjournment is inaccurate. Typically, when we decide to adjourn, we state in the plenary session that we’re moving for an adjournment until Thursday or Friday. However, there are occasions where this isn’t possible—perhaps due to attending an event with uncertain return times or dealing with issues like a malfunctioning generator without knowing how long repairs will take, water leaks necessitating fixes of undetermined length—or facing similar challenges. In such situations where the exact date of resumption is unclear, we opt for adjourning sine die.

It is the same adjustment; however, “sine die” means we are uncertain about the exact date. We have not specified a particular time—it could be tomorrow or next week—so it does not indicate an indefinite adjournment. Some people are simply misinterpreting its meaning.

If the Speaker instructs us to reconvene tomorrow and this is communicated by the Clerk, we will attend tomorrow.

Reports suggest that Assembly members have finalized plans to impeach the governor. Is this accurate?

Such discussions have not been initiated. Impeachment is a deliberate process that requires action; it doesn’t simply occur spontaneously. A House member must propose a motion, typically following an investigation and only if the governor is found guilty of misconduct does impeachment become relevant. Up until now, this topic has never been broached in the House, nor can any member suddenly decide to impeach the governor without due procedure. That’s just not how it works.

The topic of impeachment has not been brought up, and there have been no discussions about it in the House. We had anticipated that by this point we would have moved beyond these crises. Regardless of how much we try to ignore it, our state is at a standstill and isn’t progressing. Nobody is pleased with our current situation; it’s an issue that concerns more than just me or the governor. At this moment, everyone needs to set aside their personal interests for the collective good of our state. The year 2027 remains distant, yet we’re already engaging in politics aimed at that future instead of focusing on fulfilling the promises made during elections.

How much does the state government owe the Assembly members since the crisis began in 2024?

The governor has withheld our allowances for one year and six months, affecting not just the Assembly members but the whole institution. This includes nearly 200 staff members as well as expenses like diesel and other necessities. None of these allowances have been paid up to this moment I’m speaking to you.