Dare Babalola
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of spreading misleading information about his interactions with lawmakers.
Amaewhule, on Thursday, warned that Fubara’s remarks could spark fresh political unrest in the state.
The escalation follows closely on the heels of Governor Fubara’s Wednesday address, where he dismissed rumors of a rift with state and federal lawmakers as “pure lies,” a claim now met with sharp rebuttal from Assembly Speaker, Amaewhule.
According to Channels TV, Amaewhule accused Fubara of misleading the public by claiming he had been unable to meet with Assembly members, a statement that the Speaker says distorts the truth.
“First and foremost, the governor lied when he said he hasn’t been able to meet with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
He explained that following the political truce in the state, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike convened a meeting that brought together the governor and principal officers of the Assembly.
“Shortly after the State of Emergency was called off, the FCT Minister called a meeting with the governor and principal officials of the Assembly. I can confirm I was in that meeting,” he stated.
Amaewhule countered that Assembly members had held multiple meetings with Fubara, alleging the governor is fabricating a narrative of a communication breakdown to mislead the public.
He described the governor’s earlier comments as “insincere” and reflective of “poor leadership,” urging Rivers residents to disregard the claims to prevent a resurgence of political unrest.
His comments sharply contrast with the governor’s position on Wednesday.
The governor said he had repeatedly attempted to meet with lawmakers but noted that the responsibility for convening the meeting lay with senior political leaders, including Wike.
“I personally do not have any disagreements or any anger anywhere with my members of the National Assembly, even of the state.
“I have made every effort… the arrangement wasn’t for me to call them directly. It was for my leader, the minister, to arrange the meeting, which up to this hour has not been fixed.”
He also rejected claims that he had turned down proposals or refused to engage with legislators.
“When people go about saying I don’t want to meet them… that is a pure lie. I don’t have any reason to do that,” the governor added, stressing that he remained prepared to address any pending issues “so that we can have peace in the state.”
The conflicting accounts from Fubara and Speaker Amaewhule have revived concerns that the dispute between the executive and House of Assembly may resurface.
