Rivers State Governor Dismisses Defected Lawmakers, Prepares for 2025 Budget Presentation

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara asserted on Wednesday that the state’s embattled lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike are no longer in office. This declaration comes amid ongoing political turmoil in the state, which saw the seats of 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared vacant.

Previously, a Federal High Court in Rivers State had barred the Martin Amaewhule-led lawmakers from continuing as members of the state Assembly. However, last week, the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned this ruling, reinstating the lawmakers. The appellate court’s decision was made by a three-member panel led by Jimi Olukayode-Bada.

Governor Fubara’s administration, represented by the Victor Oko-Jumbo faction of the assembly, has appealed this decision to the Supreme Court. Despite these legal maneuvers, Governor Fubara emphasized during a solidarity visit from the people of Ogbakor Etche in Port Harcourt that the defected lawmakers are effectively no longer part of the legislative body.

He stated, “They think we are still sleeping, but let me make it clear wherever they are. I sincerely wanted to assist them, as I have helped them in the past with their children’s school fees and house rents. But they made a mistake by crossing over to the APC. They are gone, and that’s final.”

Governor Fubara also revealed ongoing preparations for the state’s 2025 budget, which he intends to present to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led assembly in the near future.