Tension Returns to Rivers Politics as Assembly, Fubara Clash Over Education, Spending, and 2027 Endorsements
Barely weeks after democratic governance was restored in Rivers State following a six-month emergency rule, friction has once again emerged between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
During its 31st legislative sitting, the Assembly criticised the worsening condition of public schools across the state, including vandalised facilities at Township School in Port Harcourt. Lawmakers argued that despite repeated complaints, the executive arm had failed to address collapsing infrastructure and staff shortages.
The rift comes just two months after President Bola Tinubu lifted emergency rule imposed in February 2025, following a political standoff that pitted Fubara, his deputy, and the Assembly against one another. The return to normal governance on September 18 was widely portrayed as a fresh start backed by an agreement involving Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Recent exchanges now appear to be testing that fragile reconciliation.
Assembly Blames Executive for Collapse of Schools
Speaker Martins Amaewhule led the criticism during Tuesday’s plenary, blaming the executive for the state of public education.
He told lawmakers that some schools were functioning without teachers and had no toilets or electricity, even in areas close to major government institutions.
According to him, the House Committee on Education discovered that a single teacher was handling two separate classes at one of the affected schools.
Amaewhule accused the government of mismanaging priorities, saying funds seemed to be available for political demonstrations but not for employing teachers or repairing basic facilities.
He recalled that the previous administration had set in motion a plan to employ 10,000 workers before leaving office.
He added that Rivers State had enough financial capacity to intervene, claiming that former Sole Administrator Rear Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas (rtd) left over N600 billion in the state’s account at the end of his tenure.
“We cannot continue to run schools where passers-by are pulled in to teach pupils,” he said, insisting the Assembly had a duty to defend the welfare of residents.
Fubara: I Won’t Employ Workers for Political Convenience
Governor Fubara responded at a meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, insisting his administration would only recruit staff based on actual needs, not political pressure.
He argued that the deterioration in the education sector predates his government and cannot be fixed instantly, especially given the political distractions that characterised his first year in office.
Fubara listed ongoing projects in zonal hospitals as evidence of his focus on essential services and insisted that his administration would continue addressing issues gradually.
He also maintained that he would not engage in mass employment simply to please political actors.
Assembly Declares Support for Tinubu, Reaffirms Loyalty to Wike
In a separate development, the Assembly passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, urging him to seek re-election in 2027. The motion, raised by House Leader Major Jack and endorsed by 25 lawmakers, also pledged loyalty to the president through Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, the state’s political godfather.
Lawmakers directed members of the 10th Assembly to start mobilising constituents to support Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaker Amaewhule described the president as a father figure and called for prayers for his administration.
Public Outrage Trails Assembly’s Endorsement
The Assembly’s endorsement quickly sparked criticism online.
Atiku Abubakar’s media aide, Paul Ibe, accused the lawmakers of ignoring issues affecting Rivers residents.
He said none of the resolutions passed by the Assembly addressed insecurity, education, or economic challenges, arguing that the session’s broadcast cost could have been used to address local needs.
He questioned whether the political manoeuvres were setting the stage for another breakdown of governance.
Other social media users voiced similar views, describing the endorsement as tone-deaf at a time when residents were grappling with insecurity, including the recent kidnapping of five Rivers State University students.
Assembly Seeks Clarification on N600 Billion Left in State Account
Before adjourning, lawmakers also demanded explanations on how the state’s reported N600 billion balance from the last administration had been utilised since September. The inquiry followed the submission of the House Committee on Education’s report, which highlighted severe gaps in funding, staffing, and infrastructure across the state’s schools.
