Political Turmoil Escalates in Rivers State as Lawmakers Adjourn Indefinitely Amid Budget Presentation Dispute

 

Rivers State, Nigeria, is teetering on the edge of a fresh political crisis as the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly announced an indefinite adjournment of its plenary sessions on March 14, 2025. This decision, made during a session at the Assembly quarters in Port Harcourt, comes just days after Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s thwarted attempt to re-present the 2025 budget, intensifying an already volatile political standoff. As of March 15, 2025, this development threatens to deepen the governance impasse in the state, with significant implications for its residents and political stability. This article examines the unfolding crisis, its roots, and its potential consequences.

The Indefinite Adjournment: A Sudden Move

The Rivers State House of Assembly, aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, adjourned its sittings indefinitely during a plenary session on Friday, March 14, 2025. Speaker Martin Amaewhule presided over the session, which saw the passage of three bills before the abrupt announcement. While the Assembly did not provide an official reason for the indefinite recess, the timing—less than 24 hours after Governor Fubara’s latest budget presentation request—suggests a deliberate escalation in the ongoing power struggle between the governor and the pro-Wike lawmakers.

This adjournment follows a series of dramatic events, including Governor Fubara being locked out of the Assembly complex on March 12, 2025, when he attempted to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill. In response, Fubara sent a letter on March 13, proposing to re-present the budget on March 19 or any other convenient date in March, in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling from February 28, 2025. The Assembly’s decision to adjourn indefinitely appears to be a direct rebuff to this effort, raising questions about the lawmakers’ intentions and the state’s legislative future.

Background of the Crisis

The roots of this crisis lie in the deep-seated political rivalry between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the FCT Minister. This rivalry has polarized the Rivers State House of Assembly into two factions: one led by Martin Amaewhule, loyal to Wike, and another led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, supportive of Fubara. The conflict intensified in December 2024 when Fubara presented a ₦1.1 trillion budget proposal to the Oko-Jumbo-led faction, bypassing the Amaewhule-led Assembly. This move was later challenged in court, culminating in the Supreme Court’s February 28 ruling, which mandated Fubara to present the budget to the Amaewhule-led faction and barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing statutory allocations to the state until compliance.

Fubara’s attempt to adhere to this ruling on March 12 was met with resistance when he and his entourage were denied entry into the Assembly complex. The governor expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Amaewhule and other lawmakers, despite prior notification of his visit. His subsequent letter on March 13 was intended to facilitate dialogue and compliance, but the Assembly’s indefinite adjournment has effectively stalled this process, signaling a deepening rift.

Political Implications

The indefinite adjournment of the Rivers State House of Assembly carries significant political ramifications:

1. Budget Presentation Stalemate: The adjournment prevents Governor Fubara from presenting the 2025 budget, a critical step for state governance. Without an approved budget, Rivers State faces potential financial paralysis, as statutory allocations remain withheld per the Supreme Court’s directive. This could disrupt funding for essential services, infrastructure projects, and salaries, exacerbating economic challenges for residents.
2. Escalation of Wike-Fubara Feud: The move underscores the intensifying power struggle between Wike and Fubara. Wike, speaking at a media parley in Abuja on March 12, 2025, asserted that the lawmakers have the constitutional right to impeach Fubara if he commits impeachable offenses, dismissing concerns about potential unrest. The adjournment could be a strategic maneuver by the pro-Wike faction to pressure Fubara, potentially setting the stage for impeachment proceedings.
3. Governance Vacuum: An indefinitely adjourned Assembly hampers legislative oversight and the passage of laws, creating a governance vacuum. This situation could hinder the state’s ability to address pressing issues, such as local government elections scheduled for August 9, 2025, and ongoing infrastructure needs.
4. Public Confidence and Stability: The ongoing political crisis erodes public confidence in the state’s leadership. Posts on X reflect a mix of frustration and skepticism, with some users suggesting that the lawmakers’ actions prioritize personal interests over the state’s welfare. This perception could fuel social unrest if the situation deteriorates further.

Economic and Social Consequences

The indefinite adjournment has immediate and long-term consequences for Rivers State’s economy and social fabric:

• Economic Disruption: The lack of a budget and withheld federal allocations threaten to stall development projects and public services. Rivers State, a key oil-producing region, relies heavily on these funds to sustain its economy and infrastructure. Delays could exacerbate unemployment and poverty, already significant challenges in the state.
• Social Tensions: The political standoff risks heightening social tensions, particularly among supporters of Fubara and Wike. The governor’s call for lawmakers to prioritize the state’s interests over political differences has gone unheeded, potentially deepening divisions among residents and political factions.
• Local Government Elections: The indefinite adjournment could complicate preparations for the upcoming local government elections, mandated by the Supreme Court to be conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Without legislative support, logistical and funding issues may arise, further destabilizing grassroots governance.

Broader Context and Wike’s Influence

The crisis in Rivers State is emblematic of broader political dynamics in Nigeria, where personal rivalries often overshadow institutional stability. Nyesom Wike’s influence remains a central factor, as his loyalists in the Assembly wield significant power to challenge Fubara’s administration. Wike’s statements on March 12, 2025, indicate a willingness to escalate the conflict, with his assertion that “nothing will happen” if Fubara is impeached suggesting a calculated strategy to assert dominance.

President Bola Tinubu’s involvement adds another layer of complexity. Reports indicate that Tinubu urged leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to ensure Fubara’s compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, reflecting federal interest in resolving the crisis. However, the Assembly’s adjournment undermines these efforts, highlighting the limits of external mediation in the face of entrenched local rivalries.

Potential Pathways Forward

Resolving this crisis will require concerted efforts from multiple stakeholders:

1. Dialogue and Mediation: Renewed attempts at dialogue between Fubara and the Amaewhule-led Assembly, possibly facilitated by neutral mediators such as traditional leaders or federal authorities, could help de-escalate tensions and facilitate the budget presentation.
2. Legal Recourse: Both factions may pursue further legal action to clarify the Assembly’s status and obligations. The courts could play a decisive role in compelling legislative activity or addressing the adjournment’s implications.
3. Public Pressure: Civil society organizations and residents could exert pressure on lawmakers to resume sittings and prioritize governance over political maneuvering. Public demonstrations or advocacy campaigns may influence the Assembly’s decision-making.
4. Federal Intervention: Stronger intervention from the federal government, potentially through sanctions or incentives, could compel compliance with the Supreme Court ruling and restore legislative functionality.

Conclusion

The indefinite adjournment of the Rivers State House of Assembly on March 14, 2025, marks a critical escalation in the state’s political crisis, threatening governance, economic stability, and social cohesion. Rooted in the rivalry between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, this standoff reflects deeper challenges in Nigeria’s political system, where personal agendas often supersede public interest. As Rivers State faces a potential governance vacuum, the resolution of this crisis will depend on the willingness of all parties to prioritize the state’s welfare over political brinkmanship. For now, the people of Rivers State await developments with bated breath, hoping for a swift return to stability and effective leadership.