Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally recognized the 27-member State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, marking a significant shift in the ongoing political crisis in the state. This development comes after over a year and five months of tension, during which Fubara had declared the seats of the Amaewhule-led lawmakers vacant following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, were reinstated by the Supreme Court on Friday, following a series of litigations and interventions by stakeholders. Despite the court ruling, the political standoff between Fubara and the pro-Wike lawmakers had persisted.
During their first plenary session in Port Harcourt on Monday, the reinstated lawmakers issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Fubara to re-present the 2025 budget, which had previously been passed by three lawmakers loyal to the governor. The move raised concerns about whether Fubara would comply with the ultimatum, given the prolonged conflict.
However, in a significant step toward resolving the crisis, the Fubara administration sent a formal letter to the Amaewhule-led Assembly on Wednesday. While the letter did not confirm the immediate re-presentation of the budget, it signaled the governor’s recognition of the pro-Wike lawmakers and his compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.
This move is seen as a potential de-escalation of the political tensions that have plagued Rivers State for months. By acknowledging the reinstated lawmakers, Fubara has taken a step toward restoring normalcy to the state’s legislative processes. However, the response to the budget ultimatum remains a critical point of contention, with stakeholders closely watching how the situation unfolds.
The recognition of the Amaewhule-led Assembly marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing power struggle between Fubara and Wike’s loyalists, as both sides navigate the complexities of Rivers State’s political landscape.