“You Are a Liar” — Rivers Assembly Confronts Fubara After Defecting to APC, Accuses Him of Disrespecting Wike, Insists Ibas Left 600bn Behind 

The political crisis in Rivers State deepened on Thursday as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, launched a fresh attack on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of lying, disrespecting former Governor Nyesom Wike, and attempting to destabilize the state’s fragile peace.

 

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt after an emergency briefing, Amaewhule condemned the governor’s recent remarks during a road commissioning ceremony, describing the comments as “unnecessary, condemnable, and capable of igniting fresh tension” in the state.

 

Assembly: “Fubara Lied About Not Meeting Us”

 

Amaewhule, speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, faulted Governor Fubara’s claim that he had not met with members of the Assembly since the onset of the political crisis. He said the claim was “false, misleading, and spoken in bad faith.”

 

According to the Speaker, the President had directed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who is also Fubara’s predecessor, to mediate between both sides. He said that following the presidential directive, two meetings were held.

 

“We were invited by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, as directed by Mr. President. The first meeting took place in his residence. The second was held at the home of Ferdinand Alabraba,” Amaewhule stated.

 

“Governor Fubara attended both meetings. So for him to now tell the public that he has not met with us is a lie.”

 

The legislators accused the governor of reneging on the terms agreed upon during the peace meetings, insisting that the Assembly had shown restraint and commitment to peace, while the governor continued to breach agreements.

 

Accuses Fubara of Disparaging Wike

 

Amaewhule further accused the governor of subtly attacking Nyesom Wike in his public speeches, alleging that Fubara’s recent comments were meant to ridicule the former governor who brought him into political prominence.

 

“We condemn his continuous attempts to disparage the personality of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. This is not only disrespectful but also provocative,” Amaewhule said.

 

He warned that such rhetoric could “reopen old wounds” and plunge the state into another round of political instability.

 

Allegations of Contract Fraud, Financial Misconduct

 

The Assembly also accused Governor Fubara of awarding contracts without legislative approval, claiming that the governor had sidelined the Assembly in major spending decisions.

 

According to the lawmakers, the governor has been “recklessly awarding contracts to his cronies” without presenting them for ratification as required by law.

 

They also maintained that the immediate past Sole Administrator of the state, Ibok Ibas, left a balance of ₦600 billion, contradicting insinuations that the administration of former Governor Wike left the treasury empty.

 

“It is important that Rivers people know the truth: the outgoing Sole Administrator left ₦600 billion behind. Any attempt to distort this fact is dishonest,” the Speaker insisted.

 

Assembly: “We Are Not for Sale”

 

The Assembly members further alleged that Governor Fubara was plotting to buy off lawmakers using state funds, but declared that they would not succumb to financial inducement.

 

“We are aware of the governor’s plans to use state resources to lure Assembly members. Let it be known today that we are not for sale,” Amaewhule said.

 

The lawmakers affirmed their loyalty to the people of Rivers State and their commitment to the peace agreement brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the governor must also abide by the terms.

 

Renewed Tension in Rivers Politics

 

The latest outburst underscores the widening rift between Governor Fubara and forces loyal to Nyesom Wike. Though a presidential peace deal temporarily halted hostilities last year, tensions have resurfaced in recent weeks following accusations, counter-accusations, and political maneuvering on both sides.

 

As the factions trade accusations, political observers warn that the crisis, if not urgently addressed, could stall governance and destabilize one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states.

 

For now, all eyes remain on the Presidency, which may once again be forced to intervene to prevent a total breakdown of order in Rivers State.