ACJHR Condemns Ultimatum to Governor Fubara By Rivers Assembly

The African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) has criticized the Rivers State lawmakers loyal to former the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for issuing ultimatums to the Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, saying they were detrimental to the interests of the people of Rivers State.

In a statement, the ACJHR accused the lawmakers of obstructing the state’s progress despite ceasing to be members of the Rivers State House of Assembly following their defection. The group asserted that the faction led by Martin Amaewhule operating under Wike’s influence, were hindering the development of the state.

“The lawmakers, who remain in perpetual servitude to Wike, are acting against the people of Rivers State. Their actions threaten the peace, stability, and progress of the state, further exposing them as enemies of the people,” the statement read.

The ACJHR also dismissed as inconsequential the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Amaewhule-led faction, which demanded that Governor Siminalayi Fubara present the 2025 appropriation bill. The Centre warned the lawmakers against mistaking the governor’s adherence to legal processes for weakness, stressing that their legislative status remains legally contentious.

“We reviewed with utter dismay the news that the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 appropriation bill. These individuals, who no longer have a legal mandate, lack the authority to dictate to the duly elected governor,” the statement added.

The Centre further argued that the lawmakers may have misinterpreted the Supreme Court ruling, which Governor Fubara has committed to implementing after a thorough review of its Certified True Copy (CTC).

Meanwhile, the governor has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration to assume control of the 23 local government councils pending fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
He has also instructed outgoing local government chairmen to formally transfer authority to the appointed officials by Monday, March 3, 2025.

The ACJHR criticized the lawmakers’ continued defiance, warning against any attempt to destabilize the governance of Rivers State. “This does not give Martin Amaewhule and his allies the right to convene under the guise of a legislative sitting and issue baseless ultimatums to the governor. Nigeria is not a banana republic where such lawlessness will be tolerated,” the statement concluded.