Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara yesterday took a clear step forward in the implementation of the Supreme Court judgement.
He forwarded a letter to the House of Assembly proposing March 19 for the re-presenation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
In the letter of March 13 personally signed by him and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the governor recalled his failed visit to the Assembly Wednesday to present the bill in line with the judgement.
He said the presentation of the budget could not take place because he and his entourage were denied access the Legislative Quarters temporarily servicing as the Assembly complex despite the prior delivery of a soft copy of the notice to the Speaker after the Clerk failed to accept the hard copy.
He further recalled that before the unfortunate incident, the Assembly had issued him a 48-hour ultimatum to present the bill, although he was yet to be served the certified true copy of the judgement.
Fubara said: “We were simply complying with both the order of the Supreme Court and the request by the Rivers State House of Assembly when we came to present the 2025 Budget on the 12th March 2025.”
“The Supreme has directed that all arms of government should exercise their powers and perform their duties within the ambit of the Constitution and ordinary laws of our country and this we must do to end the lingering stalemate and advance the progress of our state and the well-being of our people.
“No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interest of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts.”
He added: “Against this background, it is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr.Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday 19th March by 11am or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient.
“Thank you for the kind consideration of my request by the House and please accept, Mr. Speaker, the assurance of my highest regard.”
Also, yesterday Fubara waved the olive branch, urging the aggrieved lawmakers and other stakeholders to create an atmosphere of peace crucial for the implementation of the Supreme Court judgement.
The governor said he is open to “total peace,” stressing that there is no alternative to the apex court verdict.
Fubara spoke during the inauguration of the Grammar School, Okirika, which was remodeled by his administration.
Miffed by the worsening crisis, prominent Nigerians have appealed to the governor and the Assembly to sheath their swords.
Reflecting on the imbroglio, the governor said the interest of the state is being threatened by the protracted conflicts.
Fubara said: “It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace. The Supreme Court has made its judgment, we don’t have any option but to abide by it and by the grace of God we have started the process.
“We are appealing to the other parties to consider the interest of Rivers State. The only thing that we owe this state is peace and development. I am open any day, any time for total peace in our State because if I have to govern well there is need for peace.”
As the governor was making a case for peace, the lawmakers began the probe of the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Simeon Amadi over alleged age falsification.
Alarmed at the growing tension in the state, Ijaw youths urged calm, saying that the impeachment of the governor would worsen an already tensed situation.
There is excitement in the camp of anti-Fubara forces as Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Chief Nyesom Wike, who is visiting the state for the first time after the judgment, would be hosted to a reception by Ijaw leaders.
Assembly probes chief judge
At plenary, the Assembly resolved to write a letter to the Department of State Service (DSS) to investigate Amadi over the allegation of age falsification.
The Leader of the House, Major Jack, raised the allegations, citing Order 23. He also tabled a document, claiming that Amadi falsified his age in the civil service.
Lawmakers who debated on the matter argued that age falsification is a serious offence, adding that the proofs must be established before the any further step could be taken.
They urged relevant security agencies to help the House to assist in the investigation of the allegation.
Amaewhule said the Assembly is empowered to conduct investigation by the provisions of Section 128 of the Constitution.
He lamented that the governor had barred all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies from appearing before the Assembly to assist in investigation.
Amaewhule said: “The House is calling on the Department of State Service to institute an investigation into the alleged age falsification by the Chief Judge, with a view to ascertaining the veracity or otherwise of the allegation, which will be forwarded to the National Judicial Council(NJC)”.
The Speaker also asked all the committees, particularly the Committee on Public Complaints and Petitions, to submit their reports to the Assembly before proceeding on recess,
Reception for Wike
The people of Ijaw from the Kalabari Kingdom will hold Wike to a reception tomorrow in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
It is being organised under the aegis of a group, ‘New Associates.’
The Chairman of Publicity Committee, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, said in Port Harcourt, the state capital, that chiefs, leaders, women and youths were excited that Wike, a friend of the kingdom, would be visiting Kalabari.
The highlights of the event include a thanksgiving service and a civic reception in honour of the former governor.
George said::”All stakeholders in Kalabari are eagerly waiting to receive the FCT Minister and to show him gratitude. March 15 has been set aside to celebrate Chief Nyesom Wike for his love for the Kalabari Kingdom and its people.
“He has done much for the kingdom and he deserves to be celebrated. We are calling on our chiefs, leaders, women, youths and stakeholders of the Kalabari kingdom to make that day special.”
Youths call for peaceful resolution
The Ijaw Youth Congress(IYC), Eastern zone, commended President Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political crisis.
Its Chairman, Ibiso Harry and Secretary John Amos, said in a statement that Tinubu’s the efforts are worthy of applause.
The group appealed to President Tinubu to use his to ensure peaceful resolution of the conflicts.
Reiterating it’s objection to impeachment, the group said “anyone thinking or threatening to impeach Governor Siminialayi Fubara from office is anbenemy of the state and interested in creating tension/crisis in the State and such will be vehemently resisted.”
The group called for dialogue and compromise in the interest of the state.
ActionAid urges peace
ActionAid Nigeria has expressed concern over the ongoing political tussle in Rivers State, urging the combatants to embrace peace
The organisation said in a statement by the Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, that the crisis is affecting governance in the state.
It said: “In recent days, we have reached out to various stakeholders, including civil servants and residents, to gauge public sentiment. The feedback received reflects growing apprehension over the uncertainty in the state and its impact on livelihoods and governance.
“There are concerns over the sustainability of salary payments, as allocations remain unclear. The fear is that if the expected allocations do not materialise, the state’s workforce could face severe financial strain and heightened social tension.
‘‘The ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State is nothing short of a distraction from governance, which will deepen the suffering of the poor and marginalised. The battle for control, veiled in legislative drama, is a careless indulgence by the political elite and this will have dire consequences for ordinary citizens.”
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
