From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has lost more supporters as the Jackson Omenazu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo declared support for the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
Deputy President General of the factional Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Publicity Secretary/Spokesman, Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia, in a statement yesterday, accused Governor Fubara of refusing to allow the rule of law to prevail.
While claiming that it was unprecedented for the governor to work with a three-man House of Assembly, they acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s sincere efforts in maintaining a balanced political landscape in Rivers State.
To this end, they declared their “support for the leadership and dedicated membership of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, ably led by Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule.”
According to them, “in the eyes of Nigerian law and within the conscience of the citizenry, Rt. Hon. Amaewhule is the authentic and rightful Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“We urge Governor Sim Fubara to cease catalysing imaginary confusion and unnecessary political strife within our beloved state and to prioritise the restoration of peace and unity for the greater good of all Rivers citizens.”
They added: “These essential bills—the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) Amendment Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2024—were presented to the Governor over a month ago, aimed at fostering the socio-economic welfare of all citizens, especially the marginalised and economically disadvantaged.
“By overriding the Governor’s veto in strict accordance with Section 100(6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the legislators have affirmed their commitment to their constitutional responsibilities and the democratic principles embedded in our collective governance.
“It is profoundly troubling that Governor Fubara has withheld his approval of these bills, which are designed explicitly to improve the dire conditions faced by the impoverished populations of Rivers State.
“The resolve exhibited by the House of Assembly is not only commendable but necessary in the face of the Governor’s apparent disregard for the pressing needs of our people.
“Furthermore, we vehemently condemn the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by Governor Fubara to Victor Oko-Jumbo, Adolphus Timothy, and Sokari Goodboy.
“This action is perplexing and raises serious concerns regarding the representation of the genuine interests of the Rivers populace. Additionally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sincere efforts to maintain a balanced political landscape in Rivers State, which has ensured that the Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule-led House of Assembly can effectively resume its legislative duties.
“Such support is crucial in forestalling the emergence of a ‘one-man show’ scenario under Governor Sim Fubara’s administration.
“The actions of the executive branch, led by Governor Sim Fubara, which seek to assume legislative roles either directly or indirectly, represent a clear threat to the tenets of democracy that our state and our nation hold dear.
“We back the Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule and the entire membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”