The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to disregard the ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, insisting that any legislative sitting conducted outside the official chambers is illegal and unconstitutional.

HURIWA’s statement comes in response to the faction’s resolution giving Governor Fubara 48 hours to present the 2025 appropriation bill. The association, through its leader, Comrade Emma Onwubiko, emphasized that legislative proceedings must be conducted within designated chambers, and any such activities held in residential quarters are null and void.

The rights group described the faction’s actions as an affront to democracy and the legislature, arguing that security agencies should take action against those involved.

“Today, another attempt to murder democracy and institution of legislature took place in Rivers State to our consternation and of many Nigerians as well as the international community interested in advancement of democratic ideals.

“This was as the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly sat in a residential quarters to purportedly conducted the business of the state legislature, the practice which is alien to the law and governance procedure anywhere in the road.

“At the end of that drama, these persons who ceased to be members of the Assembly almost two years ago summoned the effrontery to issue a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Fubara to present the 2025 appropriation bill. This is indeed bizarre and a such, condemnable!

“We therefore urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to ignore any purported ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly. It was first an illegal gathering which warrant the arrest of the participants by security operatives.”