Lawmakers aligned with former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, have declined an invitation from Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a meeting, insisting that due process must be followed before they agree to any discussions.
Led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, the lawmakers criticized the governor’s approach, arguing that a formal invitation should have been sent instead of announcing the meeting on social media.
The proposed meeting, scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. at the Government House, was intended to address issues such as providing a designated legislative space, clearing outstanding allowances, and presenting the 2025 budget.
However, the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike have refused to participate unless their conditions are met.
One of the most vocal lawmakers, Isaiah Opuende, representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, accused the governor of disregarding proper protocol.
“How can you send an invitation through social media and expect us to take it seriously? We are not children,” Opuende stated.
“The governor should officially communicate with the Assembly. That is the appropriate step to take.”
He further referenced Fubara’s previous statement, where the governor allegedly told them to remain on their own.
“Now it’s our turn to ‘dey our dey,’” he remarked. “So, let him stay on his side while we remain on ours.”
Meanwhile, a viral video has emerged showing former local government chairmen who served under Wike mocking the governor’s invitation.
Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, the former chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, was seen in the video dancing alongside others while chanting, “Dey your dey, make I dey my dey, dey your dey, nobody worry Amaewhule.”
This resistance highlights the deepening political divide in Rivers State.
The lawmakers have been in a prolonged dispute with Governor Fubara. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, which affirmed their legitimacy, they resumed legislative activities and demanded that the governor submit the 2025 budget and appoint new commissioners, asserting that the current cabinet lacks legal backing.
Additionally, they summoned the chairman and commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to appear before them on Monday.
However, the state government did not respond to these demands.
Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, explained that the administration was waiting for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment before making any decisions.
The CTC was eventually released on Thursday and published in national newspapers the following day.
In an apparent move toward reconciliation, Governor Fubara’s administration, through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, formally wrote to Speaker Amaewhule, inviting the lawmakers to a meeting.
The letter, titled “Meeting between the Governor of Rivers State and the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” outlined key issues for discussion, including legislative accommodations and the presentation of the 2025 budget.
