Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to prioritize the interest of the people and embrace peace to resolve the ongoing political crisis. Speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of projects in Okrika Local Government Area, the governor stressed that peace is essential for effective governance.
“It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace,” Fubara stated, emphasizing that he is committed to implementing the February 28, 2025 Supreme Court ruling that outlined critical decisions for the state’s governance. He urged all political actors to move past previous disputes and work towards the state’s development.
“The Supreme Court has made its judgment, we don’t have any option but to abide by it, and by the special grace of God, we have started the process. We are appealing to other parties: consider the interest of Rivers State. The only thing that we owe this state is peace and development. I am open any day, any time for total peace in our state because if I have to govern well, there is the need for peace,” the governor said.
However, tensions remain high between Fubara and the House of Assembly. On Wednesday, the governor was denied access to the Assembly Quarters when he arrived to re-present the 2025 Budget, as mandated by the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly following the Supreme Court ruling. Fubara stated that he had formally communicated his visit to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, but the Assembly claimed it received no official correspondence.
Meanwhile, the governor’s predecessor and former ally, Nyesom Wike, speaking at a media chat in Abuja, supported the Assembly’s stance, arguing that lawmakers have the constitutional right to impeach Fubara if he is found guilty of misconduct, including withholding their salaries for months.
The Supreme Court ruling affirmed Martins Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker and ordered that funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions should not be released to the Rivers State Government until it complies with the court’s directives. Additionally, the court nullified the October 5, 2024, local government election, instructing the governor to conduct fresh elections and re-submit the 2025 budget for approval.
The political uncertainty in Rivers State continues, with stakeholders closely monitoring the situation. The governor’s appeal for peace may be a step toward reconciliation, but whether both factions will set aside their differences for the state’s progress remains to be seen.
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