Ohanaeze Ndigbo to Fubara: Stop fighting, work with Rivers Assembly

The Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended the recent Supreme Court ruling on the legal dispute between Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara and the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, along with 26 other lawmakers.

The court’s dismissal of Governor Fubara’s case, under case number SC/CV/1071/2024, has been described as a decisive victory for democracy and the rule of law.

In a statement issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the group reiterated that the verdict affirms Amaewhule’s legitimacy as Speaker and urged Governor Fubara to accept the ruling in good faith.

“This ruling is not merely a legal decision; it is a clarion call for governance steeped in collaboration, respect, and adherence to constitutional mandates.

“The verdict serves to unequivocally establish that Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule is the bona fide Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the statement read.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo cautioned the governor against continued defiance, warning that a failure to cooperate with the Assembly could lead to an ignominious end to his administration well before his tenure concludes in 2027.

The organization blamed political “hawks” surrounding Fubara for his current predicament, accusing them of steering him away from sound governance and urging him to ignore the reconciliatory advice of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“These influential elements have dissuaded him from recognizing the sagacious advice rendered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a pivotal peace meeting designed to resolve political tensions within Rivers State.

“The governor’s blatant disregard for this counsel and his pursuit of legal battles instead demonstrate a failure to prioritize the greater good over personal ambition,” Isiguzoro stated.

Ohanaeze further stressed that Governor Fubara’s legal battles inadvertently validated the Assembly’s legitimacy and urged him to cease actions that undermine constitutional order.

 

“By perpetuating these legal contests, Governor Fubara has tacitly affirmed the Assembly’s legitimacy and authority.

“His obstinate disregard for the constitution—from circumventing the principles enshrined in the 1999 Constitution to leveraging individuals like Oko Jumbo to foment discord—underscores a troubling trend towards governance steeped in illegality and political manipulation.

“Such actions cannot and will not be tolerated by the electorate or by history,” the statement continued.

The group issued a stark warning to the governor, cautioning that persistent defiance would result in political isolation and damage to his legacy.

“The Supreme Court’s verdict is, therefore, a potent reminder—a demand for reflection, reconsideration, and a prompt return to the principles of accountability and collaboration.

“Governor Fubara must recognize that the sooner he capitulates to the will of the people through their elected representatives, the better it will be for his overall legacy as a leader,” the group stated.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo concluded by urging the governor to abandon hostility and embrace reconciliation with the Assembly leadership for the sake of stability and good governance in Rivers State.

“In summation, we implore Governor Siminialayi Fubara to abandon the path of conflict and to pursue a course of unity, understanding, and mutual respect with Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule.

“Only through concerted efforts toward reconciliation can a stable and productive governance be achieved in Rivers State,” the statement concluded.