Omenazu-led Ohanaeze faction faults Fubara over Rivers crisis

The Chief Jackson Omenazu-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has criticized Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for allegedly failing to uphold the rule of law in the state.

The group expressed concerns following the recent Ohanaeze election, which produced three President-Generals: Chief Uche Okwukwu, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, and Chief Jackson Omenazu, all from the Ikwerre ethnic group in Rivers State.

In a statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia, National Publicity Secretary/Spokesman, the Omenazu-led faction emphasised its desire for lasting peace in Rivers State.

The group criticised Fubara for allegedly working with a three-member House of Assembly and commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to maintain political balance in the state.

“The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation stands resolutely in support of the leadership and dedicated membership of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, ably led by Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule.

“In the eyes of Nigerian law and within the conscience of the citizenry, Rt. Hon. Amaewhule is the authentic and rightful Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

The faction urged Fubara to prioritize peace and unity in the state, condemning what it described as his role in fostering political strife.

The Ohanaeze group equally hailed the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly for overriding the Governor’s veto regarding three critical pieces of legislation.

The group also praised the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly for overriding the Governor’s veto on three critical bills: the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) Amendment Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2024.

They added, “These essential bills—the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) Amendment Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2024—were presented to the Governor over a month ago, aimed at fostering the socio-economic welfare of all citizens, especially the marginalized and economically disadvantaged.

“By overriding the Governor’s veto in strict accordance with Section 100(6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the legislators have affirmed their commitment to their constitutional responsibilities and the democratic principles embedded in our collective governance.”

The Ohanaeze faction expressed disappointment with Governor Fubara’s failure to approve the bills, which it said were designed to address the dire conditions of impoverished populations in the state.

He also condemned the Governor’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to Victor Oko-Jumbo, Adolphus Timothy, and Sokari Goodboy, describing it as “perplexing” and raising questions about the Governor’s commitment to representing the interests of Rivers residents.