The Rivers State House of Assembly has resumed its sitting after a six-month suspension, but Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi, failed to show up.
Despite their absence, the Assembly urged Fubara to forward a list of commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation, as well as an appropriation bill to address current realities in the state.
This development has sparked mixed reactions from stakeholders, with some questioning the Governor’s absence and others calling for peace and stability in the state.
The Governor’s absence has left many supporters disappointed, with a massive crowd gathering at the Government House, waiting for over 12 hours for Fubara’s arrival.
Despite the anticipation, the Governor failed to show up, leaving many frustrated and hungry.
Some supporters expressed their disappointment, saying they would return when the Governor arrives. The crowd had been singing and dancing outside the gate, anticipating Fubara’s arrival, but the Governor’s office remained empty, leaving many speculating about his whereabouts.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, claimed he had spoken to Fubara, who assured him of his readiness to resume office.
However, the Governor of Fubara’s whereabouts remain unclear, with some sources suggesting he was holding meetings with key stakeholders in Abuja before returning to Government House.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has demanded that Fubara submits a list of commissioner-nominees and a fresh budget proposal, emphasizing the need for the House to work with the Governor to promote peace and good governance.
The Assembly’s demands are seen as a crucial step towards restoring normalcy in the state, with Speaker Martin Amaewhule commending President Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions in the state.
However, the Governor’s absence has raised concerns about the stability of the state and the potential for further conflict.
As the situation continues to unfold, stakeholders are calling for calm and restraint, urging all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution.
Reactions from stakeholders have been mixed, with some praising the President’s intervention and others criticizing it as an overreach of executive power.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the lifting of Fubara’s suspension as “nothing to cheer about,” citing the unconstitutionality of the suspension.
Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, called the emergency rule a “misstep” that should not have happened, hoping that all political gladiators would learn from the experience.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has also criticized President Tinubu’s handling of the crisis, describing it as a “dangerous precedent” that could weaken Nigeria’s democracy and encourage federal overreach.
As the state navigates this complex situation, the focus remains on promoting peace, stability, and good governance.
The Rivers State House of Assembly’s demands and the Governor’s eventual return will likely play a crucial role in determining the state’s future trajectory.
