Rivers Opposition Warns Amaewhule Faction to Stop Issuing Orders to Governor Fubara

The coalition of opposition lawmakers in Rivers State has warned the state’s sacked lawmakers to stop issuing orders to Governor Siminalayi Fubara until their defection case is resolved.

The warning comes just days after the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Amaewhule-led faction, directing them to resume legislative activities.

In a statement, Ikenga Ugochinyere, spokesperson for the opposition coalition, said the lawmakers from the Amaewhule faction must refrain from giving any orders, reminding them that their defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is still under legal challenge.

Ugochinyere also condemned a recent move by the Amaewhule faction, which handed Governor Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to sign the 2025 budget. He described the ultimatum as a “desperate attempt” to gain recognition while undermining the ongoing legal proceedings regarding the lawmakers’ defection.

“It’s laughable what an institution has been turned into,” Ugochinyere said. “Imagine individuals whose decampment is still in court directing a governor to submit the budget for legislative approval.”

The defection of the 27 sacked lawmakers from the PDP to the APC is being contested in the Appeal Court, and Ugochinyere expressed surprise that the Supreme Court had allowed the Amaewhule faction to resume their duties while the legality of their move remains unresolved.

“These lawmakers have desecrated the Constitution,” Ugochinyere added. “As far as we are concerned, they have been removed.”

The political tension in Rivers State continues to mount as both factions await a resolution from the courts.