By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – Chief Jackson Omenazu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo has criticized Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for allegedly undermining due process and democratic governance in the state.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group expressed concerns over the governor’s actions, which they described as a threat to peace, unity, and democracy in Rivers State.

In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, Deputy President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Publicity Secretary/Spokesman, Chief Chinenyeze Thompson Ohia, condemned the governor’s decision to work with a three-member House of Assembly.

They asserted that Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule is the rightful Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and commended the legislature for its commitment to upholding democratic principles.

The group hailed the Amaewhule-led Assembly for overriding Governor Fubara’s veto on three critical bills: the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) Amendment Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2024.

The statement reads, “In the eyes of Nigerian law and within the conscience of the citizenry, Rt. Hon. Amaewhule is the authentic and rightful Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. We urge Governor Sim Fubara to cease catalyzing imaginary confusion and unnecessary political strife within our beloved state and to prioritize the restoration of peace and unity for the greater good of all Rivers citizens.

“These essential bills—the Rivers State Education (Return of Schools) Amendment Bill, the Rivers Electricity Market Bill, and the Rivers State Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2024—were presented to the Governor over a month ago, aimed at fostering the socio-economic welfare of all citizens, especially the marginalized and economically disadvantaged. By overriding the Governor’s veto in strict accordance with Section 100(6) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the legislators have affirmed their commitment to their constitutional responsibilities and the democratic principles embedded in our collective governance.

“It is profoundly troubling that Governor Fubara has withheld his approval of these bills, which are designed explicitly to improve the dire conditions faced by the impoverished populations of Rivers State. The resolve exhibited by the House of Assembly is not only commendable but necessary in the face of the Governor’s apparent disregard for the pressing needs of our people.

“Furthermore, we vehemently condemn the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by Governor Fubara to Victor Oko-Jumbo, Adolphus Timothy, and Sokari Goodboy. This action is perplexing and raises serious concerns regarding the representation of the genuine interests of the Rivers populace. Additionally, Ohanaeze Ndigbo acknowledges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sincere efforts to maintain a balanced political landscape in Rivers State, which has ensured that the Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule-led House of Assembly can effectively resume its legislative duties.

“The actions of the executive branch, led by Governor Sim Fubara, which seek to assume legislative roles either directly or indirectly, represent a clear threat to the tenets of democracy that our state and our nation hold dear. We back the Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule and the entire membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands united in our unwavering support as they champion democracy, uphold the rights and welfare of the citizens, and navigate the complexities of governance for the betterment of all Rivers State residents.”