Rivers Crisis Deepens as Government Accuses Assembly of Stalling Supreme Court Ruling
The Rivers State Government has expressed frustration over what it describes as a deliberate obstruction by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, preventing Governor Siminalayi Fubara from implementing the Supreme Court’s recent judgment on the state’s prolonged political crisis.
The Supreme Court had ruled that the state’s federal allocation be withheld until Governor Fubara re-presents the 2025 appropriation bill to the recognized Amaewhule-led Assembly. The court also nullified the 2024 local government elections, among other directives. However, the Assembly’s apparent reluctance to cooperate has stalled the process, further deepening the state’s political turmoil.
The crisis took a dramatic turn on Monday when the House initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu. The lawmakers served them an impeachment notice, demanding a response within 14 days, citing allegations of gross misconduct.
Reacting to the development, the Rivers State Government, through Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joseph Johnson, condemned the lawmakers’ actions in a press briefing. He accused them of being loyal to the immediate past governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and claimed their stance was obstructing the full execution of the Supreme Court’s ruling, thus jeopardizing the state’s governance.
“It is now common knowledge that members of the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly have, by their actions, refused to allow the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir (Dr.) Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, to fully implement the Supreme Court’s judgement on the prolonged political and legal battle that began after the failed attempt to impeach him on October 30, 2023,” Johnson stated.
He emphasized Governor Fubara’s commitment to peace and the welfare of Rivers State citizens, stressing that despite the ongoing political tensions, the governor has remained steadfast in prioritizing the interests of the people over political disputes.
The commissioner also referenced the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025, ruling on key issues, including the re-presentation of the 2025 budget, the annulment of the 2024 local government elections, and the continued withholding of federal allocations. He noted that despite certain unfavorable aspects of the judgment, particularly regarding the controversial defection issue, Governor Fubara remains committed to enforcing the ruling.
With tensions escalating, the standoff between the Rivers State Government and the House of Assembly continues to raise concerns about the state’s political stability and governance.
