Rivers Crisis: Governor Fubara Set To Re-invite Pro-Wike Lawmakers

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara may extend a fresh invitation to the 27 lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike as part of his ongoing efforts to restore peace in the state. 

Recall that on Sunday, Fubara, through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, invited the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly for a meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday. 

The invitation letter outlined key issues for discussion, including securing a suitable venue for legislative sessions, the presentation of the 2025 budget, payment of their outstanding allowances, and other critical matters. 

The invitation followed a recent Supreme Court judgment, which recognized the lawmakers as legitimate and ordered the governor to present the 2025 budget to them. 

However, the lawmakers rejected the invitation, citing improper communication. Lolo Opuende, who represents Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, criticized the approach, saying they first learned about the meeting through social media. 

Mocking the governor’s change of stance, Opuende remarked, “It is time for us to determine our ‘dey.’ When the ‘dey your dey’ started, our principal said the time for our own ‘dey your dey’ would come. Fubara, now our ‘dey your dey’ has come.” 

Despite the lawmakers’ silence on the invitation during their Monday plenary, they issued a warrant of arrest for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, after he failed to appear before the Assembly following a 72-hour ultimatum. 

Speaking on Tuesday, Fubara’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, said the governor may reissue the invitation in the interest of peace. 

“Just today, at the inauguration of the Judges’ Quarters, the governor said he will implement every decision of the Supreme Court. So I think that will answer the question of the budget and other pressing issues,” Omatsogunwa stated. 

Asked whether the governor would resend the invitation, he responded, “I think the lawmakers missed a golden opportunity. If they really love Rivers State, they would have honored that invitation. But the governor, as a very peaceful person, may decide to rewrite them to ensure they are on the same page. Even in the Bible, God said, ‘Come, let us reason together.’” 

Omatsogunwa further stressed the importance of cooperation, saying, “The governor will not stay in office forever, and the lawmakers will not stay in office forever. They need each other to ensure the development of Rivers State.”