By Abiola Olawale
In a surprising turn of events, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State appears to have extended an olive branch to the 27 lawmakers reportedly aligned with his predecessor, the incumbent Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
This is as the Governor has invited the lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule to a pivotal meeting amid ongoing political tensions in the state.
The development comes after months of legal battles, public spats, and a deepening rift.
The invitation, communicated through a letter from the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, is scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The statement reads in part: “I hereby write, in furtherance of His Excellency’s promise stated in my letter dated 5 March 2025, to notify you that His Excellency has received the Supreme Court judgement and has therefore directed me to invite you and your colleagues — the Honourable members of the Rivers State House of Assembly — to a meeting to discuss:
“Provision of a befitting space for the Assembly’s sittings, payment of all outstanding remuneration or allowances of the Honourable members;
“Presentation of Budget and sundry matters. Any other matter(s), as may be necessary, to chart the way forward in the best interest of the State.
“Sequel to the above, I hereby humbly invite the Rt. Hon. Speaker and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to a meeting with the Governor as follows…
“Many thanks, Sir, as we look forward to your kind attendance to chart the way forward in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”
Fubara’s decision follows intense pressure from various quarters, including a recent Supreme Court ruling that has recognized the legitimacy of the pro-Wike lawmakers led by Speaker Amaewhule.
The political crisis in Rivers State, which began in late 2023, has seen both sides engage in a bitter struggle for control, with accusations of constitutional breaches, budget mismanagement, and even threats of impeachment.
