The political tension in Rivers State has heightened as the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly has given Governor Siminalayi Fubara 48 hours to sack all commissioners in the state.
The demand was contained in a letter sent to the governor following a meeting of the lawmakers on Wednesday.
According to the Assembly, the resolution stems from the governor’s alleged appointment of several individuals into the State Executive Council without proper screening and confirmation by the House, as mandated by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The lawmakers further directed Governor Fubara to submit a fresh list of nominees for screening and approval within 48 hours.
Part of the letter read:
“That your attention should once again be drawn to your illegal appointments of persons to serve in various offices without first forwarding their names for screening and confirmation as required by the 1999 Constitution as amended and other extant laws.”
The letter highlighted that 19 commissioners were appointed and sworn in between May and October 2024 without the Assembly’s approval, including the Attorney-General, Dagogo Iboroma, whose appointment contravened sections 192(2) and 195(1) of the constitution.
The latest directive follows the Supreme Court ruling last Friday, which reinstated the 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, instructing them to resume their legislative functions immediately.
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Meanwhile, Governor Fubara‘s administration had earlier indicated readiness to comply with the Assembly’s ultimatum to re-present the 2025 budget proposal.
With the renewed friction between both arms of government, political watchers are anticipating further developments in the ongoing Rivers State power tussle.