Fresh tension has resurfaced in Rivers State as lawmakers in the House of Assembly openly accuse Governor Siminalayi Fubara of making “false claims.”
The lawmakers say the governor’s latest remarks are capable of reopening political wounds that the state is still trying to heal.
The reaction followed Governor Fubara’s comments at a road commissioning event on Monday, where he suggested that he had not met with the lawmakers since the political crisis that rocked the state months ago.
His statement immediately drew sharp criticism from the Assembly, which described the remarks as misleading and “completely unnecessary.”
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, said the governor’s public claim was inaccurate.
He insisted that Governor Fubara met with the lawmakers twice—first at the Abuja residence of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and later at the home of businessman Ferdinand Alabraba.
According to him, both meetings were part of a peace directive issued by President Bola Tinubu after the political tension threatened to engulf the state last year.
Amaewhule said the governor’s denial was “surprising” and capable of undermining the fragile peace achieved so far. He added that the Assembly had expected the governor to maintain a united front rather than reignite old hostilities.
The lawmakers also accused Governor Fubara of attacking the personality of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, despite the former governor’s role in resolving the political standoff.
They further alleged that several contracts were being awarded without legislative approval, describing the actions as a violation of due process.
Another claim raised by the lawmakers involved the finances of the state. They insisted that the outgoing Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service left a balance of about N600 billion, contrary to what they say the governor has been insinuating in public.
Additionally, they alleged that Governor Fubara was attempting to influence lawmakers with financial inducements, a move they described as an attempt to weaken the Assembly’s independence.
Despite the heated accusations, Amaewhule maintained that the Assembly remains committed to serving the people of Rivers State.
He stated that the lawmakers would continue to support the peace process initiated by President Tinubu, adding that stability in the state must be prioritised over political interests.
