Pro-Wike Lawmakers demand that Governor Fubara meets key conditions—proper communication, adequate seating, allowance payments, and budget presentation—before they agree to a meeting.
Following the ongoing chaos in the Rivers State House of Assembly, pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Amaewhule have made it clear that they will only meet Governor Siminalayi Fubara if certain conditions are met. The lawmakers, loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, have set non-negotiable terms that include formal communication, provision of proper sitting space, settlement of outstanding allowances, and the presentation of the 2025 budget. This firm stance underscores their determination to ensure that the government respects both protocol and the rights of the Assembly.
The controversy ignited following the governor’s decision to extend an invitation to the Assembly via social media rather than through conventional official channels. The invitation, issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, set a meeting at the Government House for 10 am on Monday. However, pro-Wike lawmakers have expressed their reluctance to accept such a mode of communication, stating that a proper invitation process is essential if they are to engage meaningfully with the governor. They made it clear that unless their conditions are met, they will not honor the meeting call.
A prominent figure in this group, Isaiah Opuende from Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, criticized Governor Fubara sharply. He pointed out that sending a message via social media does not demonstrate the respect and formality expected in state communications. Opuende’s remarks were not just a critique of the communication method but also a clear declaration of the Assembly’s position. He emphasized that a proper invitation is not only a matter of etiquette but a prerequisite for meaningful dialogue on pressing issues affecting the state. By insisting on these conditions, pro-Wike lawmakers are asserting that respect and clear communication must form the backbone of any discussion between the legislature and the executive.
The insistence of pro-Wike lawmakers reflects a broader dissatisfaction with how Governor Fubara has been handling key issues in the state. The meeting in question was intended to address several critical matters, including the allocation of proper seating for Assembly sessions, the clearance of overdue allowances for lawmakers, and the much-anticipated presentation of the 2025 state budget. In addition, the governor was expected to submit names for commissioner nominees—a move that has been long overdue and sorely needed to restore normalcy in the state’s administration. However, the conditions set by the lawmakers suggest that they view these administrative issues as part of a larger framework of accountability and respect.
The pro-Wike lawmakers’ demand for conditions comes in the wake of a Supreme Court judgment affirming the legitimacy of the current Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule. Despite the judicial backing, tensions have persisted, with the lawmakers demanding that the governor adhere to the established norms and protocols. They argue that without meeting their set conditions, the meeting would merely be a symbolic gesture devoid of any substantive progress. The lawmakers’ strong stance illustrates the power dynamics within the state’s political environment and highlights the challenges Fubara faces in uniting the various arms of government.
Adding to the tension, former local government chairmen, who served during former governor Wike’s tenure, have also voiced their displeasure. In a viral video, they mocked the governor’s invitation method by singing and dancing, further underscoring the demand for proper protocol. Their performance was a clear signal of support for the pro-Wike lawmakers, reinforcing the message that any approach to the Assembly must be handled with the seriousness and formality it deserves. These former officials have long been associated with Wike’s legacy and now stand in solidarity with the Assembly’s demands.
BREAKING! FUBARA BACKS DOWN, INVITES AMAEWHULE, OTHERS TO PEACE MEETING
GUBER ELECTION: Rivers APC Group Dumps Tonye-Cole for PDP’s Fubara
Exclusive
