The Rivers State House of Assembly resumed sessions yesterday, pledging to investigate the budget and spending during the tenure of the former sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibik-Ete Ibas (Rtd). This development comes amid uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who remains unseen 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu lifted the state of emergency.
Earlier, thousands of Governor Fubara’s supporters gathered at the main gate of the Rivers State Government House, eager to witness his return following a six-month suspension imposed by President Tinubu. Their anticipation was met with disappointment as neither the governor nor his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, appeared to address the crowd.
Attempts by LEADERSHIP to reach the governor’s key aides, including Commissioner for Information and Communications Warisenibo Joe Johnson and Chief Press Secretary Nelson Chukwudi, were unsuccessful, with calls and messages going unanswered.
After the six-month emergency rule expired, the Rivers State House of Assembly convened in Port Harcourt, emphasizing the importance of reviewing the funds received and disbursed by the outgoing Military Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd). The emergency rule, declared by President Tinubu, had suspended both the legislative and executive branches due to political tensions between Governor Fubara and his former political mentor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The lawmakers highlighted that the 10th Assembly had no input in the budget formulated by the National Assembly, underscoring the necessity to verify the financial transactions during the emergency period. They also committed to setting a legislative agenda for the remaining two years of their term, pledging cooperation with Governor Fubara and adherence to the peace agreement brokered by President Tinubu.
Speaker Martins Amaewhule announced these resolutions following a voice vote by approximately 26 members, with Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol absent. The Assembly also urged the governor to draft an Appropriation Law reflecting current realities for the rest of the year.
Additional resolutions included praising President Tinubu for reinstating democratic governance in Rivers State and requesting Governor Fubara to submit the names of commissioner nominees for the State Executive Council.
“We never had access to the National Assembly’s budget; we only saw reports in the media. No member opposes the motions, but it is crucial to determine what funds entered Rivers State and how they were utilized by the administrator,” the Speaker remarked.
The motion to establish the legislative agenda for the remainder of the 10th Assembly’s third session was sponsored by nine members and presented by House Leader Hon Major Jack. It called for commendation of the president for restoring democracy, commitment to the peace accord, and a thorough review of contracts, awards, and expenditures from the state’s consolidated revenue fund during the emergency.
Speaker Amaewhule expressed gratitude to the motion’s sponsors, acknowledging that the emergency rule had hindered legislative activities. “We are thankful to be back. It is essential to honor the peace accord and review the budget and expenditures to ensure the state’s progress,” he said.
Wike Labels Atiku and Tambuwal as Habitual Betrayers
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike criticized former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, branding them as habitual betrayers during a Thursday interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Wike challenged Tambuwal’s previous statements, questioning the sincerity of their political alliances. “Leadership and friendship cannot be discussed without acknowledging the individuals involved,” he said, accusing both politicians of frequent party switching for personal advantage.
He alleged that Tambuwal eyed a Senate position contingent on Atiku’s presidential victory. Earlier in September, Tambuwal had declared his loyalty to Atiku over Wike, emphasizing that his political decisions were based on governance principles rather than personal relationships.
Tambuwal clarified that his disagreements with leaders like Goodluck Jonathan were ideological, not personal. “Our collaboration is rooted in principles, not personal animosities,” he stated.
The discord between Wike and prominent PDP figures dates back to 2023, when Wike criticized Atiku, Tambuwal, and Bukola Saraki for abandoning zoning agreements that could have favored the South. He also recalled supporting Tambuwal’s bid for Speaker of the House of Representatives despite the party’s preference.
Tambuwal, however, urged that political disputes should not be conflated with personal enmity. “If Atiku calls and Wike asks for my phone, I would hand it over as a friend,” he affirmed.
Supporters Disperse in Disappointment
Thousands of supporters of reinstated Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara left the Government House in Port Harcourt disheartened after neither he nor Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu appeared to greet them. The state of emergency, which had suspended them and the House of Assembly, was lifted by President Tinubu on Wednesday.
Supporters, some arriving as early as 6 a.m. from across the state, began departing between noon and 1 p.m., expressing frustration over the absence of their leaders. Local government chairmen loyal to Fubara, including former Obio/Akpor chairman Chijioke Ihunwo and Port Harcourt City’s Ezebunwo Ichemati, were seen making urgent calls as the governor’s location remained unknown.
Notably, no supporters of Nyesom Wike, including newly elected local government chairmen, were present at the Government House. Some attendees voiced their disappointment, citing hunger and fatigue as reasons for leaving, with hopes to return upon the governor’s arrival.
This event coincided with the end of the six-month emergency rule, which had been imposed following political clashes between Governor Fubara and Assembly members aligned with Minister Wike.
Rivers Assembly Demands Commissioner Nominee List from Governor Fubara
Upon reconvening, the Rivers State House of Assembly called on Governor Fubara to promptly submit the list of commissioner nominees. The House also urged the governor to initiate an Appropriation Law for the remainder of the year to address current fiscal needs.
These directives emerged during Thursday’s plenary session led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
Meanwhile, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum (RELF) welcomed the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State. PANDEF, representing the South-South geopolitical zone, praised President Tinubu for lifting the emergency rule and commended Governor Fubara’s resilience.
In a statement signed by co-chairmen King Alfred Diete-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, PANDEF called for unity and collective effort to move the state forward, emphasizing the importance of leaving past conflicts behind.
Similarly, RELF, through a statement signed by former Deputy Governor Alabo Gabriel Toby, urged political actors to embrace reconciliation, accountability, and transparency. The forum highlighted the need to address challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, and infrastructural decay through unity and cooperation.
Outgoing Sole Administrator Ibas Highlights Achievements
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the outgoing sole administrator of Rivers State, reflected on his six-month tenure, citing significant accomplishments such as conducting local government elections, reconstituting statutory boards, and facilitating the passage of the state budget by the National Assembly.
In a statewide broadcast marking the end of the emergency rule, Ibas affirmed that law and order had been restored. He emphasized that governance is an evolving process requiring vigilance, sacrifice, and dialogue, warning against unchecked power and unresolved rivalries that threaten democracy.
“This period teaches us that power exercised without restraint can damage institutions, and conflicts without dialogue endanger democratic stability,” he stated.
Ibas expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his appointment, commended security forces for maintaining peace, and praised the resilience of Rivers State’s citizens. He called on the populace to support Governor Fubara as leadership is a shared responsibility.
“No matter how visionary a leader is, success depends on the active support of the people. As I conclude this chapter of service, I pray that Rivers State never again faces such turmoil. Let unity, dialogue, and progress prevail,” he concluded.
Masses Gather at Government House Awaiting Governor’s Return
Thousands of residents assembled at the Government House in Port Harcourt, anticipating Governor Fubara’s return following the lifting of the state of emergency by President Tinubu on Wednesday evening.
The emergency, declared on March 18, 2025, had suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly amid escalating political tensions with former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Key flashpoints included the demolition of the House of Assembly complex in late 2023 and ongoing disputes over legislative legitimacy. Allegations of pipeline vandalism and governance paralysis due to constitutional breaches further complicated the crisis. A Supreme Court ruling criticized the governor’s handling of the Assembly, describing the situation as “despotism” and noting the absence of a functioning government.
During the emergency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) was appointed sole administrator to manage state affairs, while judicial institutions remained operational.
In his farewell broadcast, Ibas urged political stakeholders to sustain the peace and unity achieved during his administration.
Wike Declines to Call for Probe of Sole Administrator
Despite calls for an investigation into Vice Admiral Ibas’s tenure, Minister Nyesom Wike stated he would not advocate for such a probe, prioritizing peace and stability in Rivers State.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike acknowledged President Tinubu’s intervention as crucial in preventing the state’s collapse.
“I won’t assume the role of others. If the governor wishes to investigate, that is his prerogative. My focus is on maintaining peace in Rivers,” Wike said.
He commended the president for lifting the emergency rule, noting that many had become “constitutional experts” during the crisis but that peace had now returned.
Wike revealed that the peace agreement involved discussions among the presidency, Governor Fubara, Assembly members, and other stakeholders. “We talked, and by God’s grace, peace has come,” he affirmed.
When asked about forgiveness, Wike confirmed, “I have forgiven Fubara. I don’t play games. If I say it’s over, it’s over. It’s time to focus on governance.”
He also criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Aminu Tambuwal as “consistently inconsistent” politicians who thrive on betrayal, attributing much of the PDP’s internal strife to selfish interests.
“Some benefit from crisis and oppose peace, but Nigeria must move forward,” Wike concluded.
Regarding support for Fubara’s potential second term, Wike refrained from committing, emphasizing the need to focus on current governance before future elections.
Wike States No Legal Obligation for Immediate Resumption by Fubara
Wike clarified that there is no legal mandate requiring Governor Fubara to resume office immediately following the end of the emergency rule.
He explained that being sworn in does not necessitate an immediate physical presence in the office, dismissing concerns over the governor’s absence after the emergency was lifted.
Wike Will Not Impose Commissioners on Governor Fubara
Wike also declared he would not interfere with Governor Fubara’s choice of commissioners as the governor resumes duties post-emergency. The emergency rule, imposed amid a political standoff between Fubara and Wike, had disrupted governance in the state.
Peace Restored in Rivers Following Wike-Fubara Reconciliation
Wike announced that peace has returned to Rivers State after reconciling with Governor Fubara, paving the way for the lifting of the six-month emergency rule.
He revealed during a Channels Television interview that he had a phone conversation with the governor the previous day, signaling the end of their political feud.
Wike emphasized that their conflict is behind them and that they are committed to moving forward for the state’s benefit.
He also criticized detractors who undermine peace efforts without offering solutions, particularly those questioning the legality of local government elections.
Wike Defends Late-Night Meeting with Governor Fubara on Elections
Wike disclosed details of a 1 a.m. meeting with Governor Fubara to discuss the recently concluded local government elections, underscoring the governor’s involvement in the process.
He recounted driving to the governor’s residence to maintain privacy and ensure collaboration, stating, “Nothing was done without the governor’s participation.”
Wike explained that Fubara was absent during the election period due to personal reasons, including his son’s engagement.
