Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, declared on Monday that he is unafraid of the outcome of the ongoing political crisis in the state.
His statement came as the Martin Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget to the lawmakers.
Speaking during the inauguration of the residential quarters for Government House staff in Port Harcourt, Fubara expressed resilience in the face of challenges, stating that the worst outcome for him would be leaving the office of governor.
He said, “No matter how we have been fooled in this state, it has got to the point where the people of the state have decided to take their destinies in their hands. In as much as I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to make a decision, I will lead the course for that decision. I’m not scared of anything; the worst that can happen is for me to leave office. Am I leaving the earth? Will it stop me from existing? I’m not bothered about that. The right thing must be done and said when the opportunity is given to us.”
Fubara assured the people of Rivers State of his commitment to leading with honor, respect, and integrity.
He added, “I assure you that I will lead you with honor, I will lead you with respect, and I will lead you with integrity, knowing that when I leave here, I will have questions to answer if I am called upon 20-30 years from today. I want to be proud to defend my position. So, I thank you and assure you that I will not disappoint you.”
The governor began his speech by quoting Philippians 3:18-19 from the Holy Bible, emphasizing faith and resilience: “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. Despite everything, victory is sure.”
Meanwhile, the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Fubara to present the 2025 budget to the lawmakers. This demand follows the Supreme Court’s recent judgment, which recognized Amaewhule and 26 others as legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The House, in a letter signed by Amaewhule, stated, “That pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court in Suit no.: SC/CV/1174/2024 for the stoppage of statutory federal allocations to Rivers State Government and halting of spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State, pending the passage of an Appropriation Bill, you are requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended. That the House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours.”
The Assembly also addressed the Supreme Court’s nullification of the October 5, 2024, local government elections, stating that it would amend the Rivers State Local Government Law and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law to align with the Electoral Act.
The letter added, “That since the Supreme Court in the judgment delivered in Suit no.: SC/cv/1105/2024 nullified the purported Rivers State Local Government elections of October 5, 2024, for non-compliance with the Electoral Act, among other reasons, the House would soon commence the process of amending the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018 and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law No. 2 of 2018 so they can be in tandem with the Electoral Act and pave way for the commencement of plans for fresh local government elections in the state.”
The Assembly also reminded the governor of the Supreme Court’s judgment in Suit No: SC/CV/343/2024, which prohibits the administration of local governments by heads of local government administrations or any other unelected officials.
In compliance with the Supreme Court’s judgment, the chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Mr. Ezebunwo Ichemati, handed over all council property to the Head of Local Government Administration, Comrade Clifford Paul.
Ichemati said, “Earlier this morning (yesterday), I officially handed over administration of Port Harcourt City Local Government to the head of Local Government Administration, HLGA, Comrade Clifford Paul, in line with the directive of Governor Siminialayi Fubara during his Sunday state broadcast, based on the Supreme Court judgment on local government administration. As a people, we believe that government is a continuum and governance at the third tier of government continues with the HLGA and other principal officers piloting the affairs of the local government.”
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating, “Though our stay was short, I believe it was marked by beautiful moments and a changed narrative, a departure from what local government administration used to be before our emergence, touching lives and bringing in fresh air to local government administration. The reality is that we would not have been able to accomplish so much in such a short time without the positive work environment fostered by the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. My colleagues and I fulfilled our campaign promises to our constituents. Our gratitude is immeasurable and we are thankful for the chance to serve.”
The political crisis in Rivers State, which began over two years ago due to the rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has divided the State House of Assembly into two factions. The recent developments highlight the ongoing tensions and the challenges facing the state’s governance.
