The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, has accused the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly of deliberately obstructing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s efforts to implement the February 28, 2025, Supreme Court judgment.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the Commissioner expressed concern that the actions of the lawmakers could plunge the state into an economic and administrative crisis. He stated that despite Governor Fubara’s commitment to fully comply with the ruling including dissolving local governments, appointing Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs), and supporting fresh elections scheduled for August 9, 2025, the Assembly has continued to frustrate the process.
The Commissioner revealed that the House rejected two separate letters from the governor seeking to re-present the 2025 budget, first on March 12 and again on March 19. According to him, Assembly staff refused to acknowledge the letters, and even a courier service engaged for delivery was turned away. He added that on March 12, Governor Fubara and top government officials were denied access to the Legislative Quarters, where the lawmakers currently sit, preventing him from presenting the budget as required by law.
He further accused the Assembly of escalating tensions by issuing arrest warrants for the Chairman and Commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), declaring the appointment of 19 new commissioners illegal, and making unfounded allegations of age falsification against the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, while bypassing the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) and inviting the DSS to investigate him.
With the House now on indefinite recess, Johnson warned that the state’s financial stability is at risk. He noted that the Supreme Court had ordered the seizure of Rivers State’s revenue allocation until its judgment is fully implemented, meaning that civil servants, pensioners, and government contractors could soon face non-payment of salaries and halted projects.
The Commissioner urged the lawmakers to reconsider their stance, stating that their refusal to cooperate with Governor Fubara was endangering governance and the well-being of Rivers people. He called for immediate dialogue to resolve the crisis and ensure the smooth running of the state.
