The political landscape in Rivers State has become increasingly tense as the faction of the state House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule has publicly criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for making appointments that they claim do not follow the law. This situation has exposed the deep divisions within the state’s leadership, and it could have lasting effects on governance in Rivers State.
The Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly is particularly concerned about Governor Fubara’s appointment of individuals to the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency. The agency is intended to attract investment and promote business growth in the state, but, according to the Assembly, it lacks any legal foundation. This means the governor’s appointments bypassed a key legal step—the confirmation process by the Assembly itself.
During a plenary session on Thursday, Gerald Oforji, who represents the Oyigbo state constituency, brought this issue to the Assembly’s attention. In his report, Oforji emphasized the potential benefits the agency could bring to the state. However, he expressed disappointment that no law had been passed by the Assembly to establish the agency. He also pointed out that, under normal circumstances, the Assembly would be involved in confirming appointments to such important positions. In this case, the Assembly was completely sidelined.
In response to Oforji’s report, Speaker Amaewhule did not hold back in his criticism of Governor Fubara. Through a statement issued by his media aide, Martins Wachukwu, the Speaker called the governor’s action “unacceptable” and a breach of proper governance. According to Amaewhule, appointing individuals to a non-legislated agency is a direct violation of legal procedures. He argued that such appointments should not be made unless the agency has been formally established by the Assembly, with its members confirmed through the correct legislative process.
This is not the first time the Amaewhule faction has raised concerns about Governor Fubara’s approach to appointments. The Speaker recalled a previous situation in which the governor appointed individuals to the Board of the Bureau for Public Procurement without following the appropriate legal steps. In that instance, too, the Assembly was bypassed, causing further friction between the legislature and the executive.
This latest conflict cannot be viewed in isolation. It is part of a larger political crisis that has been brewing in Rivers State for some time. The state Assembly is now sharply divided between two factions, one loyal to Governor Fubara and the other loyal to Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The rift between these two powerful figures has created a tense political atmosphere in the state.
The Amaewhule-led faction aligns with Wike, while another faction of the Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, is loyal to Governor Fubara. The rivalry between these two camps has resulted in deep divisions within the state’s leadership, making it difficult to govern effectively. The tension escalated further after an explosion on October 29, 2024, which caused a fire that destroyed part of the state Assembly building. The explosion and the subsequent fire have fueled suspicions of foul play, though the true cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
As this political crisis unfolds, it raises serious concerns about the future of governance in Rivers State. The Amaewhule faction’s opposition to Governor Fubara’s appointments may delay the functioning of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, which is supposed to play a key role in boosting the state’s economy. If the Assembly refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the appointments, the agency’s ability to operate effectively could be compromised.
Furthermore, the ongoing conflict between the two factions of the Assembly could lead to further instability in the state. The division between the pro-Fubara and pro-Wike camps is likely to make it difficult for the Assembly to pass laws, approve budgets, or make any significant decisions that require broad consensus. The longer this political crisis continues, the more likely it is that key government functions will be disrupted, affecting not only the political elite but also the ordinary citizens of Rivers State.
The people of Rivers State are watching closely as the situation develops. The Amaewhule faction has made it clear that they will not stand by while the governor makes appointments that they believe violate state law. On the other hand, Governor Fubara has shown no signs of backing down from his decisions, and it remains to be seen how he will respond to the growing opposition from the Assembly.
As the crisis deepens, both factions will need to find a way to work together if they hope to maintain stability in Rivers State. The political rift, if left unchecked, could result in further chaos, not only within the Assembly but across the state as a whole. All eyes will be on the next steps taken by both Governor Fubara and Speaker Amaewhule, as their actions will shape the future of Rivers State.
The Rivers legislative crisis is more than just a disagreement over appointments—it is a reflection of the deep political divisions within the state. As tensions rise between Governor Fubara and Speaker Amaewhule’s faction, the ability of the state government to function effectively is increasingly at risk. With both sides unwilling to compromise, the future of governance in Rivers State hangs in the balance.
