JUST IN : Fubara invites pro-Wike’s lawmakers to meeting, to pay all outstanding allowances

Rivers State Governor, Similanayi Fubara, has invited the 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for a meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday. The lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, had previously issued the governor a 48-hour deadline to present the 2025 state budget.

The invitation was conveyed in a letter dated March 9, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo.

The letter stated: “I hereby write in furtherance of His Excellency’s promise stated in my letter dated 5 March, 2025 to notify you that His Excellency has received the Supreme Court Judgment, and has therefore directed me to invite you and your colleagues – the Honourable members of Rivers State House of Assembly, to a meeting to discuss:-

“(i) Provision of a befitting space for the Assembly’s sittings;(ii) Payment of all outstanding remuneration or allowances of the Honourable members;(iii) Presentation of Budget and sundry matters;(iv) Any other matter(s), as may be necessary, to chart the way forward in the best interest of the State.

“Sequel to the above, I hereby humbly invite the Rt. Hon. Speaker, and all the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to a meeting with the Governor as follows:Date:- Monday, 10th March, 2025Time:- 10 amVenue:- Office of the Governor, Government House, Port Harcourt.

“Many thanks Sir, as we look forward to your kind attendance with a view to charting the way forward in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”

The lawmakers had earlier demanded the dismissal of commissioners and board members who were not screened by the Assembly. They also summoned the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) to address plans for conducting fresh local government elections.

Governor Fubara’s invitation appears to be a step toward resolving the ongoing political standoff, with the meeting expected to tackle key issues, including budget presentation and legislative concerns.