Fubara Bows to Supreme Court, Invites 27 Lawmakers for Peace Talks

By Achimi Muktar

In a major turn of events, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has extended an olive branch to the 27 lawmakers at the center of the state’s political turmoil, inviting them for reconciliation talks following a Supreme Court ruling.

This move, announced in a letter by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, signals the governor’s compliance with the apex court’s directive, which ordered the lawmakers’ reinstatement and barred the Central Bank of Nigeria from releasing funds to the state without an appropriation law from the Assembly.

The crisis, which had been brewing for months, took a new turn last week when the Supreme Court ruled that Fubara had no justification for interfering in the Assembly’s affairs. Additionally, the court nullified the controversial local government elections held in October 2024, declaring them illegal.

Fubara’s Dilemma: Defiance or Compliance?

Despite expressing disagreement with the judgment, Fubara assured that he would abide by the ruling, stating that his administration is law-abiding. To demonstrate his commitment, he directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take charge of the state’s 23 local councils pending fresh elections.

Now, in what many see as an attempt to de-escalate the crisis, Fubara has invited the lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, for discussions on key governance issues. The agenda includes:

Provision of a befitting space for the Assembly’s sittings

Payment of all outstanding remuneration and allowances for lawmakers

Presentation of the 2025 budget

Other pressing governance matters affecting the state

The meeting is set to take place today, March 10, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Port Harcourt.

Tension as Ijaw Leaders Condemn Threats of Violence

Amid Fubara’s reconciliatory efforts, the political tension in Rivers remains high, with some factions within the Ijaw ethnic group threatening unrest if the governor faces impeachment.

However, former chairmen of Ijaw-dominated local government areas have strongly condemned these threats, branding them as “empty” and warning that they paint the Ijaw people in a negative light.

The former council bosses, who were part of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), accused groups like the Ijaw National Congress and certain members of the Ijaw Youth Council of using ethnic sentiments to fuel the crisis.

“It is unfortunate that some individuals and groups are using the Ijaw identity to instigate violence and intimidate the federal government,” they stated. “We strongly condemn these threats and urge Nigerians to disregard such reckless comments.”

They also questioned the motives of those claiming to defend Fubara, asking, “Where were these individuals when the governor truncated the tenure of elected local government officials and withheld their allocations?”

What Next for Rivers?

As today’s reconciliation meeting unfolds, all eyes are on Fubara and the lawmakers. Will the talks ease tensions, or is this just another chapter in Rivers State’s long-running political drama? One thing is certain—Rivers residents are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes stability over political power struggles.