The political landscape of Rivers State is embroiled in a bitter power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly, predominantly loyal to his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike. The crux of the conflict revolves around the implementation of a Supreme Court judgment mandating Fubara to re-present the 2025 budget. While Fubara claims to have initiated the process by sending a letter to the Assembly, the lawmakers vehemently deny receiving any such communication, accusing the governor of playing political games and attempting to manipulate public opinion against them. This clash of narratives underscores the deep-seated mistrust and animosity between the two branches of government, threatening to cripple the state’s administrative functions and jeopardize the well-being of its citizens.
The dispute over the budget presentation has spiraled into a war of words, with both sides trading accusations and counter-accusations. Fubara, through his Commissioner for Information, insists that a properly addressed and articulated letter was sent to the Assembly, proposing March 19th for the budget presentation. He expresses confidence that the Assembly, despite being on indefinite adjournment, could convene an emergency session to address this critical matter. However, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Enemi George, challenges the governor to produce proof of the alleged communication, asserting that no such letter reached the House or its staff. George alleges that the governor’s actions are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and portray the Assembly in a negative light, highlighting the breakdown in communication and the escalating tension between the two branches of government.
The Assembly’s spokesperson further accuses Fubara of deliberately obstructing their efforts to comply with the Supreme Court judgment. He details how their initial letter to the governor, urging a swift submission of the budget, was rejected, with their staff even being allegedly assaulted at the Government House gate. Subsequent attempts to deliver the letter through courier services also proved futile. This persistent refusal to engage, according to the Assembly, demonstrates the governor’s disregard for the rule of law and his intent to undermine the legislature’s authority. The Assembly contends that Fubara’s actions are motivated by a desire to consolidate power and govern without accountability, a dangerous precedent that could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s democratic processes.
Beyond the budget impasse, the Assembly has also raised concerns about the legality of the appointments of several state commissioners following the Supreme Court ruling. Their request for a fresh list of commissioners for screening, according to George, was met with the same resistance from the governor, who reportedly instructed the commissioners to take legal action against the Assembly. This directive, coupled with the order for state ministries and agencies to cease all engagement with the Assembly, further exacerbates the conflict and reinforces the perception that the governor is actively seeking to dismantle the legislature and rule unchallenged.
The Assembly’s spokesperson paints a grim picture of the hardships faced by lawmakers due to the ongoing political crisis. He cites the destruction of the Assembly Complex, attacks on members’ residences, and the withholding of their allowances for over 18 months as evidence of the governor’s oppressive tactics. While vowing to continue fulfilling their constitutional duties, the lawmakers express grave concern about the broader implications of the governor’s actions for the people of Rivers State. They emphasize that the disruption of government functions will inevitably impact essential services, jeopardizing the livelihoods of public servants, pensioners, teachers, and healthcare workers who rely on state funding.
Amidst this escalating political turmoil, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has appealed for calm and urged all parties to refrain from dragging the judiciary into the conflict. Responding to the Assembly’s request for the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the State Chief Judge over alleged age falsification, the Port Harcourt NBA Chairman, Cordelia Eke, emphasized that the National Judicial Council, not the DSS, is the appropriate channel for such matters. She expressed disappointment that the Supreme Court judgment, which was expected to resolve the crisis, has instead fueled further discord. Eke stressed the importance of respecting the constitutional roles of each branch of government and urged the adoption of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to de-escalate tensions and prioritize the interests of the state and its citizens. She warned against politicizing the judiciary, emphasizing its crucial role as the last bastion of hope for the common man and cautioning that political instability will only deter investment and hinder the state’s economic development.
