Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is contemplating extending a new invitation to the 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike in a bid to restore peace within the state.
Recall that on Sunday, Governor Fubara, through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, invited the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly to a meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt scheduled for Monday.
The invitation letter addressed key issues, including securing a suitable venue for legislative sessions, presenting the 2025 budget, addressing outstanding allowances, and other critical matters.
This initiative followed a recent Supreme Court judgment that recognized the lawmakers as legitimate and mandated the governor to present the 2025 budget to them.
However, the lawmakers rejected the invitation, citing improper communication methods. Lolo Opuende, representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, criticized the approach, stating they first learned about the meeting through social media. He remarked, “It is time for us to determine our ‘dey.’ When the ‘dey your dey’ started, our principal said the time for our own ‘dey your dey’ would come. Fubara, now our ‘dey your dey’ has come.”
Despite the lawmakers’ silence on the invitation during their Monday plenary, they issued a warrant of arrest for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, after he failed to appear before the Assembly following a 72-hour ultimatum.
On Tuesday, Jerry Omatsogunwa, the governor’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, indicated that the governor might reissue the invitation in the interest of peace.
He stated, “Just today, at the inauguration of the Judges’ Quarters, the governor said he will implement every decision of the Supreme Court. So I think that will answer the question of the budget and other pressing issues.” Regarding the potential for a renewed invitation, Omatsogunwa remarked, “I think the lawmakers missed a golden opportunity. If they really love Rivers State, they would have honored that invitation. But the governor, as a very peaceful person, may decide to rewrite them to ensure they are on the same page. Even in the Bible, God said, ‘Come, let us reason together.’” He further emphasized the necessity of cooperation, noting, “The governor will not stay in office forever, and the lawmakers will not stay in office forever. They need each other to ensure the development of Rivers State.”
The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State remains unresolved, with both the executive and legislative branches facing challenges in their interactions. The situation continues to evolve, and stakeholders await further developments to address the existing tensions.
