RIVERS STATE 10TH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY’S JOURNEY TO CRIPPLE GOVERNANCE AND THE ECONOMY OF RIVERS STATE

The 10th Rivers State House of Assembly, led by speaker Martins Amaewhule, has shown obvious disregard to the peace, progress and development of the state, through their sustained legislative confrontation with Governor Siminalayi Fubara from 2023 up till this moment.

This period has been characterized by multiple impeachment threats, the overturning of executive vetoes, and the passage of laws designed to limit executive power and hinder governance and developmental projects in the state.

THE ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR MADE TO IMPEDE GOVERNANCE AND STAGNATE THE STATE’S ECONOMY (FROM 2023 – 2026).

1). Vetoing Executive Actions (January-April 2024):

● The Assembly, which is dominated by pro-Wike lawmakers, broke tradition by passing and overriding the governor’s veto on contentious bills. These included the laws reducing the governor’s power over traditional institutions, appointment of members of into the assembly commission, and the posting of state civil servants working in the assembly complex etc.

2). Impeachment Threats and Legal Battles:

● The Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara in 2023, 2024, and 2025 without any justifiable reason, accusing him of gross misconduct. Although these attempts were paused by presidential intervention, the assembly continued to challenge the executive governor through multiple legal suits, some of which led to the temporary seizure of the state’s monthly federal allocations and tĥe declaration of emergency rule.

3). Budgeting Deadlocks and Impasse:

● 2025 Budget Conflict:
In their desperate moves to cripple governance and the state’s economy, the assembly accused the governor of operating outside the budget and not presenting the 2025 budget in time, this was followed by several threats against the governor and distractions.

● 2026 Budget Blockage:
In January 2026, the Assembly moved to halt the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill by Governor Fubara, citing fresh allegations of gross misconduct. The lawmakers stated the blockade would continue until the allegations were resolved, thereby stalling the state’s 2026 fiscal planning.

4). Fresh Impeachment Move (January 2026):

Not resting in their oars, the Assembly restarted yet another impeachment proceedings, this time against Governor Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu on January 8, 2026, alleging unconstitutional spending and failure to comply with court rulings on financial autonomy.

5). Attempt to Cripple Executive Funding (2024-2025):

The Assembly, citing the need for financial autonomy, took measures that aimed to cut off funding to key government arms unless their demands were met.

6). Other Impacts on Progress and Development:

● Stalled Infrastructure and Services:
The relentless confrontation has denied the state of the passage of critical legislation required for developmental projects and social services.

● Distraction and Reduced Governance Quality:
The needless political fight has created a state of arrested development, as the assembly continues to focus on fighting for their leader’s egoistic interest and ambition rather than shaping policy for the good of the masses, resulting in poor maintenance of public infrastructure like schools and hospitals etc.

7). Investment Uncertainty:

● The political instability (instigated by the abuja godfather) with repeated threats of impeachment has triggered a “wait-and-see” attitude among investors, leading to a flight of capital to more stable neighboring states.

8). Local Government Paralysis:

● By passing laws to manage local government tenures, the assembly sparked a conflict that left many local councils with uncertain leadership, hampering grassroots development.

9). Disqualification of personalities with outstanding abilities from becoming Commissioners:

● The recent screening of Commissioner nominees by the assembly has raised concerns about the prioritization of politics over state progress.

The disqualification of Prof. Detonoye Alasis and Otonye TKD Amachree, Esq., among others who have unquestionable abilities to make great impacts and drive meaningful change, is yet another move to undermine Governor Fubara’s governance, and perpetuate a system that values allegiance to individuals over the welfare of the people.

The 10th assembly’s actions, often defended as upholding the constitution, is clearly politically motivated to cause maximum distraction and inhibit the current Fubara administration’s ability to operate effectively for the good of the people, as uncommonly demonstrated even in the midst of the crisis.

As the 2027 election circle draws nearer, it is of utmost importance that the people of Rivers State keep records of the actions and performances of those that were elected to serve them in 2023, hence this reminder.

Robertson Jack writes from the Old Port Harcourt Township.