Political tensions in Rivers State intensified on Thursday as the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) issued a sharp response to comments made by Governor Siminalayi Fubara during a recent road commissioning ceremony. Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule laid out a series of allegations against the governor in what became a strongly worded briefing.
The Assembly dismissed the governor’s remarks as misleading, insisting he was untruthful when he claimed he had never met with members of the House. According to the legislators, two reconciliation meetings were convened at the directive of the President and facilitated by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The first meeting reportedly held at the minister’s residence and the second at the home of Ferdinand Alabraba. They alleged that despite the agreements reached, Governor Fubara failed to honour them.
Describing his comments as unnecessary and capable of sparking fresh political unrest, the lawmakers warned that the governor’s statements were harmful to the fragile peace being maintained in the state. They also accused him of attempting to undermine the reputation and role of the FCT Minister through his public remarks.
The Assembly further alleged that Governor Fubara had been awarding contracts and spending state funds through close associates without seeking the required approval of the House. In addition, they stated that the outgoing Sole Administrator left a balance of ₦600 billion, countering any perception of empty state coffers.
In a more serious claim, the lawmakers accused the governor of trying to use state resources to “buy off” Assembly members, stressing that they would not be influenced by financial inducements.
Reaffirming their commitment to the people of Rivers State, the legislators pledged to uphold peace, stability, and the reconciliation process initiated at the presidential level. The widening divide between the governor and the Assembly continues to raise concerns about renewed political instability in the oil-rich state.
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