By Iniubong Emmanuel Sam
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday dismissed concerns about a possible impeachment following the Supreme Court’s ruling that favored lawmakers aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The apex court, on Friday, directed the Federal Government to withhold financial allocations to Rivers State until Governor Fubara submits the state budget to the 27 lawmakers led by Martins Amaewhule, a pro-Wike faction in the Rivers State House of Assembly. Additionally, the court nullified the local government elections conducted under Fubara’s administration last year.
This ruling represents a pivotal moment in the power struggle that has engulfed Rivers State since October 2023, when a rift between Fubara and Wike led to a sharp division in the Assembly. In a dramatic political twist, 27 lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in support of Wike, leaving only four legislators loyal to Fubara.
Tensions escalated when the pro-Wike faction attempted to impeach Fubara, sparking violent confrontations and an attack on the Assembly complex. In response, Fubara declared the seats of the defecting lawmakers vacant, arguing that their move to the APC had nullified their legislative mandate. He proceeded to present the state’s 2024 and 2025 budgets to the four-member faction that remained aligned with him.
However, the Supreme Court ruled that Fubara’s actions were unlawful and instructed him to recognize the pro-Wike lawmakers and submit the state budget to them.
Despite the court’s ruling, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, assured in an interview with The PUNCH that there was no imminent threat to Fubara’s administration.
“Afraid of what? The governor is on his toes and has the mandate of the Rivers people. He will obey the law, respect its sanctity, and continue working in the best interest of the state,” Johnson asserted.
Highlighting the administration’s ongoing development projects, Johnson announced the commencement of a series of inaugurations starting Monday.
“For the next 10 days, we will keep unveiling projects. The governor is not daunted by the shenanigans of detractors,” he added.
On the other hand, supporters of Wike see the ruling as a major victory, insisting that the Supreme Court’s decision reaffirms the legitimacy of the pro-Wike lawmakers and their authority in the state Assembly. A chieftain of the APC in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, lauded the verdict, describing it as a step toward restoring legislative order in the state.
“This judgment validates the position of the 27 lawmakers. They were elected by the people, and the court has now reinforced their mandate,” Okocha said.
He argued that Fubara’s refusal to recognize the lawmakers had led to governance paralysis and accused the governor of attempting to undermine democratic institutions.
“This government must follow due process. The governor should immediately comply with the ruling, present the budget, and work with the legitimate House of Assembly,” he added.
When asked if Fubara would comply with the Supreme Court’s directive to present the budget to the pro-Wike lawmakers, Johnson said the state government would wait for the Certified True Copy of the judgment before taking any steps.
“I cannot say whether we will implement it or not. We need to study the judgment, evaluate its implications, and ensure that any action we take aligns with the law and protects the interests of Rivers people,” he stated.
Johnson maintained that the 27 defecting lawmakers had lost their seats, citing an earlier Rivers State High Court ruling that declared their defection unconstitutional. However, the pro-Wike camp insists that the Supreme Court’s decision effectively reinstates them, setting the stage for further political maneuvering in the state.
