Nearly two months have passed since the Rivers State House of Assembly last convened, generating concern among residents who question the lawmakers' unusual silence. Although the Assembly did not adjourn sine die, its last sitting was on March 9, 2026, during its 63rd legislative session. That session focused on screening nine commissioner nominees, a process that sparked controversy after some nominees were rejected, while others perceived as politically neutral were approved into the state executive council.
Legislative Inactivity Raises Questions
Since then, the Assembly has remained quiet, with no committee activities or oversight functions, fueling speculation across political circles. Some observers interpret the silence as a calculated political strategy, while others believe it reflects shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been at the center of unfolding dynamics, with political watchers suggesting the Assembly's posture may be linked to an alleged understanding involving Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Across party lines, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the polity has been docile until recently, when photos emerged of aspirants declaring interest in various offices. Both Wike and Fubara loyalists have publicly displayed their purchased forms, setting the stage for keenly contested primaries.
Political Maneuvering Intensifies
Victor Oko-Jumbo, a Fubara henchman during the Assembly crisis, has confirmed purchasing his form to return to the Assembly. Former caretaker committee chairman of Obio-Akpor Council, Chijioke Ihunwo, who hails from the same ward as Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has also done so. Meanwhile, in the FCT minister's camp, several Assembly members have publicly displayed forms, with some purchasing PDP expression of interest forms.
Until now, little public reaction has emerged, leading many to conclude the state operates without usual legislative oversight. Notably, observers argue there has been no visible progress on the state's 2026 appropriation bill, with nothing said about it in the second quarter of the year.
Analysts Weigh In
Public affairs analyst Kingsley Eme described the Assembly's docile nature as a possible political tactic to test the governor's compliance with existing power arrangements. Under normal circumstances, legislative activity—particularly around the budget—would continue uninterrupted. 'The real crisis in Rivers State, from all indications, is not yet over,' he said. 'The refusal of the Assembly to address issues relating to the state budget appears deliberate. If the lawmakers truly wanted the budget passed, they would have prompted the governor, given the constitutional checks and balances between the executive and the legislature.'
Eme argued that the silence may be a strategy to create a political 'loophole' that could be exploited later, especially if disagreements resurface. 'If this crisis had been fully resolved, the Assembly would have been sitting frequently, as seen during the impeachment saga when they met almost weekly. What we are seeing now suggests a power tussle. The Assembly may be keeping its options open in case there is a need to act,' he added.
He also pointed to the last screening exercise, where nominees perceived as close to the governor were rejected while others considered neutral were approved, reinforcing perceptions of underlying political calculations.
Further Concerns
Another political analyst, Charles Nnam, expressed concern over the prolonged hiatus, stating no official reason has been given for the Assembly's inactivity. 'For me, there is no clear explanation in the public domain as to why the Assembly has not sat for this long. What appears evident is a deliberate attempt to monitor the governor's political moves, especially in relation to any agreements reached behind closed doors,' he said.
Nnam added that the quiet political atmosphere in Rivers contrasts sharply with other states where governors seeking re-election are already engaging in visible political activities. 'In Rivers State, it seems that until the 'Oga' speaks, no one is willing to make a move. This silence cuts across all political positions, not just the governorship.'
As the stalemate continues, residents remain concerned about governance implications, particularly the absence of legislative deliberations on key state matters such as the budget.
