A fresh wave of political tension has engulfed Rivers State as the legislative and executive arms of government have once again clashed. Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, have launched a scathing attack on the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Fresh Attack Amidst Fragile Peace
This new confrontation comes barely two months after the suspension of emergency rule and the reinstatement of democratic structures in the oil-rich state. During their 31st Legislative Sitting, the lawmakers directed heavy criticism at Governor Fubara's government, describing its performance as a sad commentary.
The core of the lawmakers' grievance centers on the state of public education infrastructure. Speaker Martins Amaewhule, while speaking during plenary, accused the executive arm of doing little to address the decay in public primary and secondary schools across Rivers State.
Accusations of Neglect and Misplaced Priorities
Public schools in Rivers State, particularly at the primary and secondary school levels, are in deplorable conditions; it is a fact, Amaewhule stated, as reported by Daily Trust. He highlighted a specific instance of a school directly opposite the police headquarters being taken over by vandals, with no intervention from the state government.
The Speaker expressed frustration that despite previous motions raised by the assembly, the Rivers State Executive Council had taken no action to remedy the situation. He made a serious allegation, claiming that state funds were being diverted to other purposes. But when it is time for protest, funds will come. When it is time to employ teachers and put them in the classrooms, there will be no money, Amaewhule declared.
Background of Executive-Legislative Rift
The current dispute is part of an ongoing power struggle. Recall that Governor Fubara had earlier sacked all commissioners and public officers in the state with immediate effect, citing a Supreme Court judgement. This decision followed earlier suspensions imposed during the period of emergency rule declared by the federal government.
In another significant move, the Rivers State Executive Council, now under Governor Fubara, nullified a ₦134 billion contract awarded during the emergency period for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat in Port Harcourt. The contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, was ordered to refund ₦20 billion already paid as mobilization.
Meanwhile, the state government has approved a new committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, to oversee the development of Computer-Based Test centres and flood mitigation projects. The political landscape in Rivers State remains volatile, with this latest attack by lawmakers signaling that the truce following the emergency rule is severely strained.
