In a dramatic escalation of Rivers State’s political crisis, the state government has flatly rejected a controversial directive from the state House of Assembly — a directive that ordered Governor Siminalayi Fubara to immediately dissolve his cabinet and present a fresh list of nominees within 48 hours.
The ultimatum, issued under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising questions about the limits of legislative power and the brewing battle for control in the oil-rich state.
But the state government wasted no time in firing back, dismissing the Assembly’s directive as both unconstitutional and legally hollow.
Leading the charge was Sydney Tambari, the Commissioner for Environment, who delivered a scathing response to the lawmakers’ demand. Tambari, standing firmly on legal precedent, declared that the Assembly lacked any authority to dictate the dismissal of commissioners.
“I was screened and confirmed by Edison Ehie, who was lawfully recognized by the court as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Tambari asserted. “At the time of my confirmation, this faction of lawmakers had already defected from the PDP and lost their legal standing.”
Tambari further explained that after Ehie’s resignation, the lawful screening process was continued by his successor, Victor Oko-Jumbo, making all appointments legally binding.
With a tone of finality, Tambari dismissed the ultimatum entirely, stating, “The governor is under no obligation whatsoever to submit a fresh list of nominees to this Assembly. Their demand is not only misplaced — it has been overtaken by legal and political realities.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Tambari also tackled recent claims that a Supreme Court ruling had somehow mandated the removal of commissioners. He insisted that the court ruling was narrowly focused on the state’s 2025 budget presentation and did not touch on the status of the cabinet.
“The Supreme Court’s verdict addressed the budget presentation process — nothing more. The power to present the budget lies solely with the governor. The court did not direct the dismissal of any commissioner,” he clarified.
With both sides digging in their heels, the standoff has exposed the raw and deepening fractures between Rivers State’s executive and legislative branches — a battle that could reshape the political future of the state.
For now, Governor Fubara’s administration stands defiant, holding the line against a legislative body whose legitimacy is itself under fierce scrutiny. As the political temperature continues to rise, one thing is certain: Rivers State’s power struggle is far from over.
