APC Reacts as Pro-Wike Lawmakers Issue One Condition after Gov Fubara Requested to Meet with Them
- The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly criticised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for inviting them to a crucial meeting via social media
- The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, aimed to discuss key issues, including the 2025 budget, lawmakers' allowances, and a designated sitting space for the Assembly
- Pro-Wike lawmakers insist they won’t honour the invitation unless it follows due process, while the APC welcomes the dialogue as a step toward resolving the ongoing executive-legislative crisis
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Port Hacourt, Rivers state - The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has asked Governor Siminalayi Fubara to formally communicate his invitation for a meeting rather than make the request through social media.
Governor Fubara, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, had invited lawmakers to a crucial meeting at the Government House on Monday, March 11.
Source: Twitter
Meeting to address 2025 budget, other isuess
The meeting was expected to address key issues such as the provision of a sitting space for the Assembly, the payment of outstanding allowances, and the presentation of the 2025 budget.
However, the 27 lawmakers loyal to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have refused to honour the invitation unless it is properly communicated, The Punch reported.
‘Dey your dey’: Lawmakers criticise Fubara’s approach
One of the lawmakers, Isaiah Opuende, representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, criticised the governor’s method of inviting the Assembly members.
“How can you wire a letter and post it on social media and expect us to honour it? You know we are not kids. The governor should properly write to the Assembly. That’s all,” Opuende stated.
Referring to past comments made by Governor Fubara, Opuende added,
“It is time for us to determine our ‘dey.’ When the ‘dey your dey’ started, our principal said the time for our own ‘dey your dey’ will come. Now, our ‘dey your dey’ has come.”
The lawmakers’ rejection of the invitation mirrors similar reactions from former local government chairmen who served under Wike, Vanguard reported.
In a viral video, the former chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, was seen singing and mocking the governor’s invitation alongside other political figures.
Rivers legislature's demands and standoff with the executive
Source: Twitter
Following the Supreme Court judgment affirming the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led Assembly, the lawmakers resumed legislative activities, calling on Governor Fubara to present the 2025 budget and submit nominees for commissioners and other key appointments.
They also summoned the chairman and commissioners of the Rivers state Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to appear before them.
However, the state government initially ignored the requests, stating that it was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment before taking further action.
The CTC was later released on Thursday, March 7, and published in national dailies the following day.
In response, SSG Danagogo officially addressed a letter to Speaker Amaewhule on Sunday, reaffirming the governor’s commitment to engaging the Assembly members.
APC hails invitation, calls for resolution
The Rivers state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed the governor’s invitation to the lawmakers.
The Chief Tony Okocha-led APC faction, which is aligned with Wike, described the move as a step toward reconciliation.
Speaking to journalists, the state publicity secretary of the party, Chibuike Ikenga, expressed optimism that the meeting could lead to lasting peace between the executive and legislative arms of government.
“Our position as a party is that whatever will bring lasting peace to Rivers State is what we support. The executive and the legislature should engage in confidence-building efforts to finally resolve this crisis,” Ikenga stated.
Similarly, Chizi Entire, Chief of Staff to the Emeka Beke-led APC faction, described the development as a “win-win situation.”
Rivers crisis: 'War is not always the solution' - Analyst
Lawyer and socio-political commentator, Liborous Oshoma, has slammed the Rivers state House of Assembly for rejecting Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s invitation for a meeting.
Speaking with Legit.ng, Oshoma hinted that dialogue remains the best path forward.
"I do not think it is in their interest to reject that request. War is not always the solution," he said.
He also disagreed with Rivers APC Chairman Tony Okocha’s stance on impeachment proceedings, stressing the importance of due process.
"I will not subscribe to the call of the state chairman, Tony Okocha, that there is no need to comply with Section 188 of the constitution on impeachment procedures. That is not the way to go," he noted.
Oshoma however commended President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, urging a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
Wike vs Fubara: Niger Delta groups issued threat
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the federal government was warned by the INC, IYC and other groups that oil production would be destabilised in Rivers should Governor Siminalayi Fubara be impeached.
According to the groups, the lawmakers loyal to former governor and FCT minister Nyesom Wike should not use the Supreme Court judgment as a ground to impeach the governor.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a political analyst for this report.
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Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Ezra Ukanwa (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944
Kola Muhammed (Copyeditor) Kola Muhammed is an experienced editor and content strategist who has overseen content and public relations strategies for some of the biggest (media) brands in Sub-Saharan Africa. He has over 10 years of experience in writing and (copy)editing.
