End of Rascality in Rivers Near, Says Amaewhule as Assembly Slams Fubara
Port Harcourt — The Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of withholding their statutory entitlements for nearly a year. Amaewhule, however, declared that “the end to this rascality is very near,” signaling a hardening of the political standoff in the state.
The Speaker made these remarks during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, following a Supreme Court judgment that affirmed the legitimacy of the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers. Amaewhule warned Governor Fubara against disregarding the court’s verdict, emphasizing that the judgment has reinforced their faith in the judiciary.
“The Supreme Court has spoken, and the people of Rivers State are elated with this judgment,” Amaewhule stated. He expressed gratitude to Rivers State leaders, particularly Wike, for their unwavering support during the protracted crisis.
Withholding Entitlements and Defiance of Court Orders
Amaewhule condemned Fubara’s refusal to release funds and entitlements to the Assembly, accusing the governor of attempting to starve the legislative arm into submission. He noted that the Supreme Court’s ruling has strengthened the Assembly’s resolve to uphold its constitutional mandate.
The Speaker also reminded Fubara of existing injunctive orders issued by Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, which barred the governor from withholding funds meant for the Assembly. “Governor Fubara has been spending taxpayers’ money for a year without appropriation, in clear violation of the 1999 Constitution and court judgments,” Amaewhule asserted.
He warned that all eyes are now on Fubara to see whether he will comply with the Supreme Court’s verdict or continue his alleged pattern of disregarding court orders.
Declaring Seats Vacant and Call for By-Elections
In a related development, the Assembly announced that it had declared the seats of three members vacant due to prolonged absenteeism. Amaewhule explained that one former member had passed away, another had absconded from duty, and the three others had failed to fulfill their legislative responsibilities.
The Speaker called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections to fill the vacant seats, stressing the need for a fully functional legislature to serve the people of Rivers State.
Amaewhule’s Broader Critique of Fubara’s Governance
Amaewhule did not mince words in his critique of Fubara’s administration, accusing the governor of gross constitutional violations and financial mismanagement. He alleged that Fubara’s refusal to present a budget to the Assembly for over a year had left the state operating without proper appropriation, a situation he described as untenable.
“Today’s judgment confirms that Governor Fubara has been in gross violation of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” Amaewhule stated. He reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to its constitutional duties and vowed to continue resisting any attempts to undermine its authority.
Political Implications and the Road Ahead
The ongoing feud between the pro-Wike Assembly and Governor Fubara underscores the deep political divisions in Rivers State. The Supreme Court’s judgment, while a victory for the Assembly, has done little to resolve the underlying tensions. Instead, it has set the stage for a potential escalation, with Amaewhule’s declaration that “the end to this rascality is very near” suggesting a more confrontational approach.
Critics argue that the crisis has distracted from governance, leaving critical state matters unattended. The withholding of Assembly entitlements and the governor’s alleged defiance of court orders have further eroded public trust in the state’s leadership.
As the standoff continues, the people of Rivers State are left to bear the brunt of the political impasse. The call for by-elections to fill vacant seats may provide a temporary resolution, but the broader issues of accountability, constitutional adherence, and political reconciliation remain unaddressed.
For now, the ball is in Governor Fubara’s court. Whether he will heed the Supreme Court’s judgment and engage in constructive dialogue with the Assembly or continue on a collision course remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the political rascality in Rivers State is far from over, and its resolution will require more than just court rulings.
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End of Rascality in Rivers Near, Says Amaewhule as Assembly Slams Fubara