…Gov. Fubara Set To Commission 10 New Projects
The Supreme Court’s recent verdict, which affirmed Martins Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly alongside 26 other lawmakers, has left the state in a state of anticipation.
The judgment also nullified the state’s budget, halted revenue allocations from the Federation Account, and declared last year’s local government elections invalid, effectively sacking all chairmen and councilors.
Despite the political implications, Rivers State remained peaceful over the weekend as stakeholders monitored Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s next steps, which many believe will shape the state’s political direction.
Amid the legal and political turbulence, Governor Fubara has lined up 10 key projects for commissioning, starting March 3.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, the government reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure development and public service improvement.
The projects scheduled for inauguration include:
- Government House Staff Quarters
- State Fire Service Headquarters & Firefighting Vehicles
- Handing Over of a Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force
- Borokiri and Rumuodonmaya Fire Service Stations (Obio/Akpor LGA)
- Construction and Furnishing of the Akpor Monarch’s Palace & Residence
- Judges’ Quarters
- Bori General Hospital
- Okrika Grammar School
- Furnishing and Equipping the Nigerian Law School, Yenagoa Campus
The statement emphasized that these projects align with the administration’s vision for sustainable development, security, and improved public service delivery across Rivers and Bayelsa states.
Reacting to the judgment, Senator Magnus Abe dismissed any further legal contest, stating that the ruling was clear and required no further interpretation.
“The Supreme Court has settled the matter once and for all. There can be no more litigation regarding the status of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” he asserted.
He further emphasized that the ruling explicitly prohibits both the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from disbursing funds to the state government without a budget duly passed by the Amaewhule-led Assembly.
Abe noted that while Governor Fubara had an opportunity to negotiate earlier, his options were now limited.
However, he pointed out that a window for resolution still exists, citing FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s statement discouraging immediate impeachment proceedings against the governor.
In light of the Supreme Court ruling, the Rivers Peace Initiative (RPI) has called for calm and reconciliation.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Obinna Ebogidi urged all political actors to prioritize peace over conflict.
“This is a defining moment for Rivers State. We must not allow political divisions to tear us apart. Our state is bigger than any individual or group,” Ebogidi said.
He warned that prolonging political strife would only deepen the crisis, urging leaders to embrace dialogue and unity.
“To the political leaders, your actions today will determine whether Rivers State moves forward or remains trapped in endless conflict. Now is the time to put the people first,” he added.
Ebogidi also called on security agencies to maintain law and order while urging the youth to resist being used as instruments of violence.
“You are the future of Rivers State. Don’t allow political anger to drag you into chaos. Stand for peace, unity, and progress,” he advised.
