Victor EzejaThe lingering political conflict between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state’s lawmakers, particularly those loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, has continued to take new dimensions every day with far-reaching implications for governance, democracy, and the rule of law in the state.
This power struggle, marked by legal battles, legislative gridlock, and executive overreach, has the potential to reshape the political landscape of Rivers State.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFollowing the recent Supreme Court judgment, which recognised the 27 Rivers State lawmakers, led by Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara extended an invitation to them for a meeting on Monday, 10 March at the government house to discuss the way forward.
Governor Fubara, in a letter through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, addressed to Amaewhule, invited the lawmakers to a meeting at the Government House, stating that it was in obedience to the Supreme Court judgment on the political crisis in the state. However, the lawmakers rejected the invitation, citing non-adherence to procedure.
READ ALSO: Fubara Moves To Appeal Judgment On Rivers 2024 Budget At Supreme Court
One of the lawmakers who represents Akuku-Toru Constituency II, Hon. Isaiah Opuende, said in a social media post on Sunday, 9 March 2025 that the governor merely posted the invitation on social media and that they would not honour it.
The Root of the Conflict
The crisis stems from a deep-seated political feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Wike’s influence over the Rivers State House of Assembly, particularly through the Speaker, Amaewhule and 27 loyal lawmakers, has created a parallel power structure that challenges Fubara’s authority.
The conflict intensified when Fubara attempted to bypass the pro-Wike lawmakers by presenting the 2024 budget to a faction of only four lawmakers loyal to him, leading to legal challenges and a series of court rulings that have further complicated the situation.
The governor’s action was based on alleged defection of the 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the build up to the conflict. The then factional speaker, Edison Ehie, who was backed by Fubara, had declared the seats of 27 lawmakers vacant on the ground that their defection meant automatic loss of the seats.
Various legal experts have expressed divergent views on the legality of the action of the governor regarding the seats of those embattled lawmakers. However, in a twist of fate, the Supreme Court ruling resolved the legal controversies as it reinstated the 27 lawmakers and ordered them to commence sitting with immediate effect.
Key Legal Battles and Court Rulings
The judiciary has played a central role in the crisis, with multiple court rulings shaping the trajectory of the conflict:
Supreme Court’s judgment
The Supreme Court on 28 February 2025, nullified the October 2024 local government elections in Rivers State, citing violations of the Electoral Act by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The court also barred federal allocations to the state, further straining Fubara’s administration.
Dismissal of Fubara’s Suit Against Pro-Wike Lawmakers
The apex court also dismissed Fubara’s suit seeking to remove the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, and ordered him to pay N5 million damages. The court held that what the governor did amounted to an attempt to subvert the legislature and described his actions as dictatorial.
Federal High Court’s Ruling on the 2024 Budget
The court nullified the passage of the 2024 budget by four lawmakers loyal to Fubara, describing it as an aberration and ordering the governor to re-present the budget to the Amaewhule-led Assembly.
READ ALSO: Supreme Court Freezes Rivers Allocation, Orders Return Of Amaewhule-led Assembly
These rulings, according to political analysts, have weakened Fubara’s position, emboldening the pro-Wike faction and creating a legislative impasse.
Executive Overreach and Legislative Gridlock
Some of the governor’s actions since the crisis started about 18 months ago, have been criticised as being overreach and unconstitutional. Key incidents include:
- Demolition of the Assembly Complex: after fire was set on the Rivers State House of Assembly complex by arsonists, when the crisis started, Fubara’s administration partially demolished the structure, a move described by the courts as an abuse of executive power aimed at undermining the legislature.
- Withholding of Legislative Funds: The governor withheld funds meant for the Assembly, preventing lawmakers from carrying out their constitutional duties. This action was condemned by the courts as an affront to the separation of power
- Appointment of Caretaker Committees: Following the declaration of the expiration of tenure of elected local government leaders, Fubara directed Heads of Local Government Administration to take over the administration of the 23 local government areas, a move seen as an attempt to consolidate control.
These actions have been deemed to not only deepen the rift between the executive and legislative branches but also raised concerns about the erosion of democratic norms in Rivers State.
The Role of the Judiciary and Rule of Law
The judiciary has emerged as a critical arbiter in the crisis, with its rulings reinforcing the principles of constitutional governance and the rule of law. However, the protracted legal battles have also highlighted the challenges of resolving political disputes through the courts, particularly when the executive and legislative branches are at loggerheads. The Supreme Court’s criticism of Fubara’s actions as dictatorial underscores the importance of respecting the separation of powers and the independence of the legislature.
READ ALSO: Rivers Crisis: Supreme Court Strikes Out Gov Fubara’s Appeal Against Ruling On 2024 Budget
However, those in the camp of the Governor alleged that the court rulings were unduly manipulated to favour the FCT minister who is said to be bent on clipping the political wings of his predecessor.
Implications for Rivers State
The ongoing crisis has significant implications for Rivers State:
- Governance Challenges: With federal allocations barred and a hostile legislature, Fubara’s administration faces severe financial and governance challenges, limiting its ability to deliver on its promises to the people.
- Political Instability: The crisis has created a climate of political instability, with the potential for further escalation if the conflict is not resolved. The pro-Wike lawmakers have threatened impeachment proceedings against Fubara, raising the spectre of a constitutional crisis.
- Public Perception: The crisis has affected the credibility of both the executive and legislative branches, with many citizens viewing the conflict as a power struggle that prioritises political interests over public welfare.
Resolving the Crisis
To resolve the crisis, both sides must prioritise dialogue and compromise. Governor Fubara’s recent invitation to Speaker Amaewhule and other lawmakers for a peace meeting is a step in the right direction. However, lasting resolution will require a commitment to constitutional governance, respect for the rule of law, and a willingness to put the interests of Rivers State above personal and political ambitions.
The political war between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State lawmakers is more than a power struggle; it is a test of the state’s democratic institutions and the rule of law.
The outcome of this crisis will not only determine the future of Rivers State but also set a precedent for how political disputes are resolved in Nigeria’s evolving democracy.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
