The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of making false claims regarding his meetings with lawmakers.
The allegation comes in response to Governor Fubara’s comment on Wednesday, in which he dismissed speculations of a rift between him and federal or state lawmakers from Rivers State, insisting that reports of strained relations are unfounded.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Speaker Martin Amaewhule stated that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, convened a meeting between the lawmakers and the governor on the directive of President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of the state of emergency.
According to Amaewhule, members of the Assembly have met with Governor Fubara twice since the emergency rule was lifted.
Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Amaewhule said the first meeting took place at the Abuja residence of the FCT Minister.
According to him, the statement of the Governor on Wednesday is the reason for the press conference, saying they need to set the record straight.
He described the governor’s recent remarks as “unnecessary, condemnable” and potentially capable of triggering “another round of crisis in Rivers State.”
“It’s important I make this clarification. First and foremost, the governor lied when he said he hasn’t been able to meet with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Amaewhule said.
“Shortly after the State of Emergency was called off, the FCT Minister called a meeting with the governor and principal officials of the Assembly. I can confirm I was in that meeting.”
On the presentation of the budget, Amaewhule said, “The Governor has not come to us to present the budget of the state; he hasn’t.
“In 2024, he spent without an appropriation law. In 2025, he was spending. Even after the emergency rule, we discussed with him in the meeting.
“We said, look, bring your budget so that we can take care of all you intend to do for the remaining part of 2025.
“There, in that meeting, the Governor told us blatantly that he would not do it, that he will not bring the budget. God is my witness. As I speak here, God is here.”
He added, “Where the Governor is, he knows I’m not lying against him.”
He accused the Governor of awarding contracts to his cronies, particularly those who allegedly masterminded the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Despite the tensions, the Assembly reiterated that the FCT Minister wants peace and progress in the state.
