Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers Assembly declares Gov. Fubara appointments illegal

The Rivers State House of Assembly, under Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Wednesday, criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent appointments and decisions, describing them as acts of defiance.

This development followed the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Fubara’s appeal after his legal team withdrew it.

The lawmakers accused the governor of consistently ignoring judicial decisions, state laws, and constitutional provisions while running the affairs of Rivers State.

A statement from the Speaker’s special assistant on media, Martins Wachukwu, further alleged that Fubara’s leadership displayed a disregard for legal procedures.

Majority Leader Major Jack specifically raised concerns about the governor’s appointment of individuals to lead the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission and the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission.

He argued that these individuals were not lawfully appointed, as the proper confirmation process had not been followed.

During debate, members of the Assembly emphasised that the governor’s actions were eroding the legitimacy of governance.

They noted that no official correspondence had been received from the governor regarding these appointments, nor had the appointees undergone the required legislative screening.

Speaker Amaewhule asserted that the appointments directly contradicted the state’s legal framework and a prior Court of Appeal ruling.

He maintained that these actions were not only illegal but also amounted to contempt of court.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, the Speaker reaffirmed that the Court of Appeal’s judgment—upholding his position as the legitimate leader of the Assembly—remained binding.

In response, the Assembly passed a resolution rejecting the governor’s appointments. They instructed the Clerk to issue an official statement denouncing the appointments and reaffirming the Assembly’s role in the governance of Rivers State.