PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – Rivers’ Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a directive prohibiting all heads and officials of the 23 local government areas in the state from appearing before the Rivers State House of Assembly, particularly before members loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory.
This order, effective immediately, was announced through an online circular dated Tuesday, May 7, 2024, and signed by Ebirieneuket Nteile, Director of Information and Communications for the Chairman Local Government Service Commission.
The governor’s directive comes amid escalating tensions within the state’s political landscape, where 27 lawmakers recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, a move that Governor Fubara argues invalidates their mandate as enshrined in the constitution. According to Governor Fubara, the state technically lacks official state lawmakers due to these defections.
The circular explicitly warns that any local government official who appears before the assembly members, particularly those aligned with Speaker Martin Amaewhule, a known Wike loyalist, risks immediate dismissal.
“I am directed to inform you/all officers of the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State, not to honour/appear before the Members of Assembly or any purported invitation by anybody or group of persons in any guise without the permission of the Acting Chairman- Local Government Service Commission,” the circular stated.
This directive underscores the deepening divide within Rivers State’s political factions and reflects ongoing struggles for control and influence over local governance structures.
It also raises concerns about the potential implications for governance and administrative processes within the state.
Governor Fubara’s firm stance sets a precedent that could influence political alignments and administrative loyalty throughout Rivers State’s local government areas.
