Lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike have turned down an invitation from Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that due process must be followed before any meeting can take place.
Led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, the lawmakers criticized the governor for extending the invitation through social media instead of a formal channel.
The proposed meeting, scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m. at the Government House, was intended to address key issues, including the provision of a legislative chamber, payment of outstanding allowances, and the presentation of the 2025 budget.
However, the 27 pro-Wike legislators have made it clear that they will not attend unless their conditions are met.
One of the vocal critics, Isaiah Opuende, who represents Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, accused Governor Fubara of disrespecting the Assembly.
“How can you wire a letter and post it on social media and expect us to honour it? You know we are not kids,” Opuende said. “The governor should properly write to the Assembly. That’s all. Thank you.”
He also reminded Fubara of his past remark, “dey your dey,” meaning each party should remain separate.
“Well, now our own time to ‘dey our dey’ has come,” he added. “Dey your dey make we dey our dey.”
A viral video circulating online shows former local government chairmen who served under Wike mocking the governor over the invitation.
Among them was Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, former chairman of Ikwerre Local Government, who was seen dancing and chanting, “Dey your dey, make I dey my dey, dey your dey, nobody worry Amaewhule.”
This latest standoff reflects the deepening political rift in the state.
The lawmakers have been locked in a prolonged dispute with Governor Fubara. Following a recent Supreme Court ruling that upheld their legitimacy, they resumed legislative activities and demanded that Fubara present the 2025 budget and nominate new commissioners, arguing that the current cabinet lacks legal standing.
Additionally, they summoned the chairman and commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to appear before them on Monday. However, the state government did not respond, with Commissioner for Information Joseph Johnson stating that the administration was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment before taking action.
The CTC was released on Thursday evening and published in national newspapers the next day.
In an effort to mend fences, the Fubara administration took a step toward dialogue after the release of the CTC. Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, formally wrote to Speaker Amaewhule, inviting the lawmakers to a meeting with the governor.
The letter, titled “Meeting between the Governor of Rivers State and the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” outlined the key discussion points, including the provision of a legislative space and the presentation of the 2025 budget.
Despite this outreach, tensions remain high as the lawmakers insist that any engagement must follow the appropriate channels.
