“Stop Insülts and Govern,” Rivers Speaker Warns Governor Fubara Amid Deepening Rîft

The political crisis in Rivers State has escalated as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, issued a sharp rebuke to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of dishonesty, financial misconduct, and personal attacks against the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Allegations of Lies and Lavish Spending
In a statement on Tuesday, Speaker Amaewhule directly contradicted the governor’s recent claim of being unable to meet with state lawmakers. “The governor lied,” Amaewhule asserted, revealing that two meetings had already taken place one at the FCT Minister’s residence and another at the home of businessman Ferdinand Alabraba with the governor failing to honor the agreed terms.

The Speaker further leveled serious financial accusations against Governor Fubara. He claimed that the governor is spending state funds “lavishly,” awarding contracts to political allies without seeking the legally required approval from the Assembly. Amaewhule also stated that the former Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, left over N600 billion in the state treasury, which Governor Fubara inherited upon his return after the six-month emergency rule.

“Lawmakers Are Not for Sale” and a Warning on Wike
Amaewhule alleged a more direct attempt to undermine the legislature, accusing the governor of plotting to “buy off” assembly members with state funds. “The governor needs to know that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are not for sale,” he declared.

A central point of contention remains the governor’s relationship with his predecessor. The Speaker accused Governor Fubara of “disparaging the person of Mr. Wike” through his public comments and media engagements. “Disparaging the FCT minister will not help him,” Amaewhule warned, urging the governor to “act as a leader” and cease deploying his aides to attack lawmakers.

Despite the fierce criticism, Speaker Amaewhule concluded by reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to the peace process initiated by President Bola Tinubu and to serving the interests of the people of Rivers State.