- Safiu Kehinde
A member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, Hon. Isaiah Opuende, has explained reason for the lawmakers’ boycott of the invitation by the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The lawmakers had, on Monday, turned down Fubara’s invitation for a crucial meeting to resolve the state’s political crisis.
NPO reported that Fubara had, yesterday, invited the lawmakers to his office for the meeting which was slated to hold by 10am today.
As contained in the invitation letter issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tammy Danagogo, Fubara had sought to deliberate with the Assembly on provision for a befitting space for their sittings; payment of all outstanding remunerations of the Honourable members; and the re-presentation of the 2025 budget amongst others.
However, the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, with 27 members, including the Speaker, loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, boycotted the meeting as none of them were in attendance.
In response to the Governor’s invitation, Opunede voiced the lawmakers’ dissatisfaction with the method of communication.
He criticized what he described as an informal approach, claiming the invitation was shared on social media rather than through official channels.
Expressing his disapproval, Opuende remarked: “It is time for us to determine our ‘dey.’ When your ‘dey’ started, our principal said the time for details of your ‘dey’ would come. Now, your ‘dey’ has come.
“Dey your dey, make we dey our dey. How can you send a letter, post it on social media, and expect us to honor it? We are not children. The Governor should write to the Assembly properly. That’s all. Thank you.”
Fubara’s invitation of the lawmakers is coming under the heels of the 72-hour ultimatum issued by the Assembly.
The House had summoned the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and his commissioners to appear before it to account for the conduct of the 2024 local government elections and clarify expenditures made without proper appropriation.
It had also demanded the re-submission of the nomination list for appointment after declaring the current Commissioners and other top officials appointed by Fubara as illegal.