A new wave of political tension appears to be building in Rivers State after the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of making false claims and attempting to reignite the crisis that has rocked the state for more than a year.
Speaking on Thursday, Amaewhule dismissed the governor’s assertion that he had been unable to meet with lawmakers, describing the claim as “a lie” and “insincere.”
“It’s important I make this clarification. First and foremost, the governor lied when he said he hasn’t been able to meet with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the Speaker said. “Shortly after the State of Emergency was called off, the FCT Minister called a meeting with the governor and principal officials of the Assembly. I can confirm I was in that meeting.”
Amaewhule insisted that lawmakers had met with Fubara on several occasions, accusing the governor of deliberately creating the impression of a communication breakdown. He warned that such comments were capable of triggering “yet another political crisis” in the state and urged residents to remain vigilant.
Fubara Denies Rift, Says Meeting Was Already Planned
Governor Fubara, however, rejected claims of strained relations with federal or state lawmakers. Speaking on Wednesday at the commissioning of the extended and dualised 28.4‑kilometre Ahoada–Omoku Road, he said arrangements had already been made for a meeting with the legislators.
According to the governor, the session was to be convened by his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, alongside elder statesman Ferdinand Alabraba and other leaders. “Anyone alleging that I declined to meet with the lawmakers or rejected proposals relating to them is not telling the truth,” he said.
Fubara, who defected from the PDP to the APC on Tuesday, urged Rivers people to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu, saying his move to the ruling party was aimed at restoring peace and ensuring steady progress in the state.
Crisis Background
The political feud between Fubara and Wike erupted less than two years after the governor took office, leading to a bitter struggle for control of the state’s political structure. The conflict escalated into a full‑blown constitutional crisis involving the Amaewhule‑led House of Assembly.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, and all members of the House of Assembly for six months. He cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, saying he could not allow the situation to deteriorate further. Retired naval chief Vice Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ibas was appointed as sole administrator.
A reconciliation meeting in June involving Tinubu, Fubara, Wike, Amaewhule and other stakeholders signalled a temporary thaw. Fubara and Wike were later seen together at a public event, raising hopes of stability.
On September 17, Tinubu lifted the emergency rule, saying intelligence reports showed “a new spirit of understanding” and “potent enthusiasm” among stakeholders for a return to democratic governance.
Renewed Uncertainty
Amaewhule’s latest remarks, however, suggest that the fragile peace may be under threat once again. With political alignments shifting and mistrust resurfacing, Rivers State may be heading into another turbulent phase.
