Rivers Political Crisis Deepens: Speaker Demands Mass Sacking of Fubara’s Commissioners
The political turmoil in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn, with the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Simi Fubara to sack all commissioners in the state.
This latest move, outlined in a letter obtained by DAILY POST, is a direct challenge to Fubara’s authority, intensifying the standoff between the legislative and executive arms of the state government.
What’s at Stake? The Breakdown of the Ultimatum
The Amaewhule-led House is not just demanding the dismissal of the commissioners—it is also insisting that all other appointees not properly screened by the lawmakers be removed immediately.
The letter, which cites multiple constitutional violations, outlines three key demands:
1️⃣ Sack all commissioners who were not screened by the House.
2️⃣ Submit a new list of nominees for fresh screening within 48 hours.
3️⃣ Address the appointment of an Attorney-General, which the House claims was done illegally.
The lawmakers argue that Governor Fubara’s administration failed to comply with Section 192(2) & (6) and Section 195(1) of the 1999 Constitution, rendering several appointments illegitimate in their view.
A Brewing Constitutional Battle?
The letter highlights 19 commissioners whom the House alleges were illegally sworn in without proper legislative screening, spanning appointments made in May, July, August, and October 2024.
With the Supreme Court recently ruling that the 27 members of the Rivers Assembly should resume their legislative duties, this demand could escalate into a major political and legal battle.
Fubara, in an earlier statement, had signaled willingness to comply with the Assembly’s request to re-present the 2025 state budget, suggesting that a tactical retreat might be in play. However, whether he will bow to this latest demand remains uncertain.
The Bigger Picture: Who Holds the Power?
This standoff is more than just a bureaucratic clash—it’s a power struggle with far-reaching consequences:
🔹 For Governor Fubara: Firing all commissioners would weaken his administration’s structure and reinforce legislative dominance. But defying the House could set off impeachment threats.
🔹 For the Assembly: The lawmakers’ bold stance is a show of force, reasserting their authority after recent political turbulence.
🔹 For Rivers State: Governance could grind to a halt if the crisis deepens, leaving policy decisions and projects in limbo.
The 48-Hour Countdown Begins
With the clock ticking, all eyes are on Fubara’s response. Will he comply, negotiate, or defy the Assembly? The next few days will determine whether this crisis escalates or resolves.
What do you think? Should Fubara stand his ground, or is this the beginning of his political undoing? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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