A peace meeting convened by Rivers State Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara was derailed on Monday after invited lawmakers failed to show up at Government House, Port Harcourt. The meeting—intended to address the political crisis following receipt of a Certificate True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment—was also set to cover the presentation of the 2025 budget, payment of allowances, and allocation of a new sitting venue for the Assembly.
In a letter dated March 7 and signed by Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government, the governor had extended the invitation to Speaker Hon. Martins Amaaewhule and 26 other lawmakers. However, sources indicate that the invitation was circulated primarily via social media, a move that irked several legislators.
A video circulating online captured Hon. Lolo Isaiah Opuende, the representative for Akuku-Toru Constituency II, dismissing the invitation. “It is time for us to have our day… How can you write a letter and post it on social media and expect us to come? No, we are not kids. The governor should write to the Assembly in a proper way,” he declared.
Adding to the controversy, some sources questioned the government’s commitment to the meeting, noting that a project commissioning was scheduled around the same time, casting doubt on whether the meeting was ever a genuine priority.
The incident underscores mounting tensions between the executive and legislative arms in Rivers State as they navigate ongoing political challenges ahead of future elections.
