Multiple 48-hour ultimatums, legal battles, a state on the brink
Rivers State is at a boiling point as the battle for political control between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly intensifies. With multiple 48-hour ultimatums, legal disputes, and looming threats of arrest, the state’s governance is now hanging by a thread.
Assembly orders Fubara to sack commissioners
The Assembly, made up of lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, has issued a 48-hour deadline for Governor Fubara to dismiss all his commissioners and submit a fresh list for legislative screening.
According to the lawmakers, 19 commissioners, including Attorney-General Dagogo Iboroma, were appointed without Assembly approval, violating Sections 192(2) and 195(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
RSIEC chairman summoned, faces arrest threat
The Assembly has also moved against the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), demanding that its Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), appear before it within 48 hours over the recent Supreme Court judgment that annulled the October 5, 2024, local government elections.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule warned that failure to comply would lead to an arrest warrant, escalating the already tense standoff.
Fubara’s government rejects budget ultimatum
In another flashpoint, the Rivers State Government has rejected the Assembly’s 48-hour ultimatum to re-present the 2025 budget, dismissing it as a ploy to undermine the executive.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, stated that no official letter had been received and accused the Assembly of political grandstanding.
READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Demands Sack of Fubara’s Commissioners, Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara remains defiant, saying he is waiting for the certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment before making further decisions.
What’s at stake? The implications of the power struggle
1. Constitutional Crisis: The battle between the executive and legislature could stall governance, delaying budgets, projects, and essential services.
2. Security Threat: The growing rift could lead to street protests, political violence, or security crackdowns as factions mobilize their supporters.
3. Control of Local Governments: With the Supreme Court nullifying the last council polls, both factions will fight to control the next elections on August 9, 2025.
4. Possible Impeachment Move? The Assembly’s aggressive stance suggests it could soon move to impeach Fubara, triggering a full-blown political crisis.
As Rivers State braces for what could be a make-or-break moment, all eyes are on the next 48 hours. Will Fubara cave in to the Assembly’s demands, or is the state heading for a historic political showdown?