Fubara denies rift with Rivers assembly members, says Wike yet to fix peace meeting

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, says he has no lingering dispute with members of the state house of assembly.

Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of the extension of the dualisation of the Ahoada–Omoku road, Fubara noted that claims he has refused to engage with lawmakers are “pure lies”.

The governor said he has made several attempts to meet with the assembly leadership since his reinstatement in September, but the meeting has not been scheduled.

Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, were suspended from office in March after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state.

The emergency rule follows months of political unrest triggered by a breakdown in relations between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The crisis, rooted in the control of the state’s political structure, also split the assembly.

Addressing the situation publicly on Wednesday, Fubara said he had been advised not to contact the lawmakers directly, adding that Wike was expected to arrange a reconciliation meeting.

“Let me say here that you are aware that I went to see Mr President two days ago, and when I came back, we took a bold decision yesterday,” he said.

“I personally do not have any disagreement or anger anywhere with my members of the National Assembly, and more particularly, the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“I have made every effort. I believe that the leadership of the state council, led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, can attest to this.

“I have made every effort to meet with them, but the arrangement wasn’t for me to call them directly. It was for my leader — the Minister — to arrange the meeting. Up till this hour, that meeting has not been fixed.”

The governor pushed back at narratives suggesting he has avoided the lawmakers or refused their requests.

“When people go about saying that I don’t want to meet with them, I don’t want to attend to them, I don’t want to attend to their demands, that is a pure lie,” he said.

“I personally said whatever their needs are, I am ready to meet them so that we can have peace in the state.”

Fubara added that he has refrained from reaching out directly so as not to create the impression that he is attempting to undermine the reconciliation process.

“I have met with our leaders; they said they were going to arrange a meeting. I do not want to go behind them so it won’t look as if I am trying to divide the house,” he said.

The governor reiterated his commitment to restoring stability in Rivers and maintaining a functional relationship with the assembly as his administration continues its projects across the state.