Ohanaeze declares support for Amaewhule-led Rivers assembly, blasts Gov Fubara

The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has reiterated its support for the leadership of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly under Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule.

In a statement on Friday, January 24 by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the group declared Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of Rivers State.

The group also urged Governor Sim Fubara to desist from actions that fuel political instability and instead prioritize peace and unity in Rivers State.

Ohanaeze lauded the Assembly’s courageous decision to override the Governor’s veto on three key bills: the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) Amendment Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2024.

“These essential bills—the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) Amendment Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2024—were presented to the Governor over a month ago, aimed at fostering the socio-economic welfare of all citizens, especially the marginalized and economically disadvantaged.

“By overriding the Governor’s veto in strict accordance with Section 100(6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the legislators have affirmed their commitment to their constitutional responsibilities and the democratic principles embedded in our collective governance.

“It is profoundly troubling that Governor Fubara has withheld his approval of these bills, which are designed explicitly to improve the dire conditions faced by the impoverished populations of Rivers State.

“The resolve exhibited by the House of Assembly is not only commendable but necessary in the face of the Governor’s apparent disregard for the pressing needs of our people,” the group stated.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo also condemned the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by Governor Fubara to Victor Oko-Jumbo, Adolphus Timothy, and Sokari Goodboy.

“This action is perplexing and raises serious concerns regarding the representation of the genuine interests of the Rivers populace.

“These individuals, whose track records render them inconsequential in advocating for the critical needs of the suffering masses, should not be the bearers of legislative responsibilities that demand profound understanding and commitment to the welfare of the citizenry,” the group stated.

Additionally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to maintain a balanced political landscape in Rivers State.

“Such support is crucial in forestalling the emergence of a “one-man show” scenario under Governor Sim Fubara’s administration.

“As the Rivers State House of Assembly continues its legislative functions with integrity and efficaciousness, we reaffirm our belief that Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule is more than a Speaker; he is a symbol of hope and resilience for the preservation of democracy in Nigeria, especially in these trying times characterized by executive overreach and undue interference with constitutional provisions.

“The actions of the executive branch, led by Governor Sim Fubara, which seek to assume legislative roles either directly or indirectly, represent a clear threat to the tenets of democracy that our state and our nation hold dear,” the statement added.