Fubara Defies Rivers Assembly Again as Lawmakers Extend RSIEC Summons Deadline

The political tension in Rivers State has intensified as Governor Siminalayi Fubara continues to defy directives from the State House of Assembly. Despite repeated requests, the governor has refused to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill as mandated by the Supreme Court, nor has he submitted a list of commissioner nominees for approval.

This latest development comes as the Rivers State House of Assembly extends the deadline for the Chairman and Commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to appear before it. The officials, who were initially summoned to clarify their preparations for the October 5, 2024, local government elections, failed to honor the Assembly's invitation, prompting lawmakers to issue a fresh directive.

Speaking on the matter, the Special Assistant on Media Affairs to the Speaker, Martins Wachukwu, disclosed that the Assembly has now given RSIEC officials until March 10, 2025, to appear before the House. According to Wachukwu, the electoral commission must account for its planned activities and clarify allegations of unbudgeted expenditures.

"The lawmakers are determined to ensure transparency and accountability in the conduct of the forthcoming local government elections," he stated. "If RSIEC officials fail to appear before the Assembly, the House will invoke constitutional provisions to enforce compliance."

Wachukwu emphasized that the Assembly was particularly concerned about how RSIEC intends to generate funds for the proposed elections, given that no budgetary provision had been made for the commission's activities.

Meanwhile, the political standoff between Governor Fubara and the Rivers Assembly has continued to deepen. Lawmakers have taken legislative notice of the governor's persistent refusal to comply with key legislative requirements, including:

Failure to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, as directed by the Supreme Court.
Refusal to submit a list of commissioner nominees for screening and approval.

This defiance has further strained the already fragile relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state. Analysts believe Fubara's actions could set a dangerous precedent for governance, as the failure to present the state's budget on time could lead to administrative and financial setbacks.

The ongoing crisis in Rivers State stems from a prolonged power tussle between Governor Fubara and factions loyal to his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The battle for political control has seen dramatic events, including the impeachment threat against Fubara, the defection of lawmakers, and legal battles over the legitimacy of the Assembly's decisions.

Observers fear that the governor's continued refusal to engage with the Assembly could lead to more drastic measures from the lawmakers, who have already hinted at constitutional consequences for non-compliance.

With governance in Rivers State hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on March 10, 2025, to see whether the RSIEC officials will appear before the Assembly and whether Governor Fubara will finally bow to legislative pressure.