Rivers speaker accuses Fubara of lying about meetings with lawmakers

File Copy: Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule

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Tensions in Rivers State escalated on Thursday after Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of deliberately misinforming the public about his engagement with lawmakers, warning that the governor’s comments risk reigniting political instability in the state.

The development comes just a day after Fubara dismissed reports of a fallout with state and federal legislators, describing suggestions of a rift as “pure lies” during a public address on Wednesday.

As reported by Channels Tv, Amaewhule said the governor misled the public when he claimed he had been unable to meet with members of the Assembly.

“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 insisted that lawmakers had met with the governor more than once and accused Fubara of attempting to create a false narrative of communication breakdown.

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 Martin Amaewhule have revived concerns that the dispute between the executive and House of Assembly may resurface

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