RIVERS: Assembly accuses Fubara of playing to the gallery

Speaking during a press briefing in Port Harcourt yesterday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Enemi George, alleged that the governor was ignoring due process and instead attempting to manipulate public sentiment by portraying lawmakers as obstacles.

George challenged Fubara to present evidence of a formal letter notifying the Assembly of his intention to present the budget. He recalled that on March 12, the governor claimed he had sent such a letter, yet the Assembly had no record of it.

“The governor stopped at the gate of the Assembly Quarters on his way to an event in Ogoni and told the press he had sent a letter. This was shocking because no such letter was received,” George stated.

He dismissed claims from Fubara’s aides that the letter was sent via WhatsApp, calling the approach unprofessional and embarrassing. He insisted that if the letter had truly been sent, it seemed intended for the public, not the legislature.

“The governor is playing to the gallery, whipping up public sentiment, and attempting to demonize the Assembly. This is demeaning and unfortunate,” he added.

George also accused Fubara of frustrating efforts to resolve the crisis following the Supreme Court’s ruling. He stated that after the verdict, the Assembly immediately wrote to the governor, urging him to present the appropriation bill by March 15 to ensure the release of frozen federal funds. However, Fubara allegedly ignored the request.

According to George, Assembly staff who attempted to deliver the letter to the Government House were assaulted and turned away, and even when a courier service was used, there was still no response.

The lawmaker further alleged that the Supreme Court’s judgment had invalidated the appointments of several state commissioners, and the Assembly requested the governor to submit a fresh list of nominees for screening. However, this request was also rejected, with Fubara allegedly instructing officials to take legal action against the Assembly instead.

“The governor has gone further to direct all ministries, agencies, and departments to cut off communication with the Assembly. This is unacceptable. We are an independent arm of government, not an appendage of the executive,” George stated.

He accused the governor of orchestrating attacks on the Assembly, including the burning of its chamber, the destruction of the Speaker’s residence, and the demolition of the Assembly Complex.

“We have seen hell. Our hallowed chamber was burnt down, our residential quarters were invaded, and our allowances have been withheld for over a year and a half. Yet, despite these injustices, we have chosen to put the interests of Rivers State above personal grievances,” George lamented.

He warned that Fubara’s actions were endangering the livelihoods of Rivers people, including pensioners awaiting their dues, teachers depending on salaries, and public hospitals and schools in need of funding.

“The governor is toying with the lives and livelihoods of Rivers people. We must all call on him to do the right thing in the interest of our dear state,” he concluded.