Opposition hails Fubara for implementing S’Court judgment amid pro-Wike provocations

A coalition of opposition lawmakers has expressed strong support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, praising him for implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment despite continued resistance from lawmakers loyal to former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

During a live press conference on Wednesday, the coalition condemned the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, to deny Governor Fubara access to the Assembly complex for his budget presentation. The pro-Wike lawmakers, who have been holding their sittings at their quarters along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, were accused of deliberately obstructing the governor’s efforts.

Speaking at the conference, opposition spokesperson Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere recalled that Governor Fubara had sent an invitation to the pro-Wike lawmakers for a meeting to resolve the ongoing political crisis in the interest of the people of Rivers State. However, he said they refused to attend, choosing instead to remain loyal to their political benefactor.

He commended the governor’s patience and willingness to foster peace, stating that Fubara’s actions demonstrated true democratic leadership. According to Ugochinyere, the governor had formally reached out to the lawmakers through a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo.

The letter, dated March 7, 2025, informed the lawmakers that the Supreme Court’s judgment had been received and invited them to discuss key issues, including providing a suitable space for Assembly sittings, settling outstanding remuneration and allowances, and presenting the state budget.

Despite this, the lawmakers ignored the invitation. Ugochinyere further criticized them for denying the governor access to present the 2025 budget, arguing that their seats had been lost the moment they defected from the party under which they were elected.

He pointed out that while the Supreme Court judgment required the governor to recognise them, it was surprising that Fubara had accepted the ruling without hesitation and immediately started implementing it.

He also accused the pro-Wike camp of attempting to manipulate local government laws to reinstate former chairmen who had already left office.

He alleged that their real intention was to prevent the state government from conducting local government elections by blocking the passage of the appropriation bill.

He praised Governor Fubara for complying with the court ruling on budget presentation and emphasized that the governor had taken steps to reach out to the Assembly members for dialogue—something Wike himself would never have done.

He added that the pro-Wike lawmakers, however, boycotted the meeting, showing that their primary objective was to destabilise the state.

Ugochinyere also revealed that Governor Fubara had personally called Speaker Amaewhule several times regarding the budget presentation, but the Speaker refused to answer his calls.

He described this as proof that those opposing the governor were more interested in creating chaos than in serving the people of Rivers State.

He accused Wike of being the aggressor from the beginning of the crisis and reaffirmed that opposition lawmakers would not allow him and his allies to plunge the state into anarchy.

Finally, he commended Governor Fubara for his humility and resilience, stating that despite ongoing provocations, he had continued to focus on governance and the development of Rivers State.