In Rivers State, a faction of the House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, has instructed that all financial activities by Governor Siminalayi Fubara should stop until he submits the 2024 budget for approval. This faction, which is aligned with former Governor Nyesom Wike, gave Fubara a seven-day ultimatum, which has since expired. They argue that the budget presented by Fubara to the faction led by Edison Ehie, which Fubara recognizes, is invalid due to a court ruling.
The conflict has escalated, with the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calling Amaewhule’s group “former lawmakers” and urging the Inspector-General of Police to maintain order. The factional Assembly, led by Amaewhule, insists that Fubara must adhere to the legal requirement to present the budget to their assembly.
In addition, there is ongoing tension between the two factions of the House of Assembly. The Amaewhule faction had previously faced legal challenges, but a recent Appeal Court judgment allowed them to resume their legislative functions. This has led to parallel sittings, with the Fubara-loyal Oko-Jumbo-led faction continuing to operate separately, screening and confirming a new Commissioner-designate.
Further complicating the issue, a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the N800 billion budget passed by the pro-Fubara lawmakers, declaring it illegal. Despite this, Fubara remains firm in his stance, refusing to recognize the Amaewhule-led assembly and continuing to work with the smaller, loyalist group.
