…I’m not afraid, victory is certain – Fubara

….Ex-Rivers LG Chairmen handover

The 27 members of Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule on Monday issued a 48 hours ultimatum to Governor Similanayi Fubara to present the 2025 state appropriation bill.

The development comes after the supreme judgement ordered Martins Amaewhule and the 26 other members of the Assembly loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to resume sitting as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The 48 hours ultimatum was issued by the lawmakers during plenary in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Governor Fubara had on January 2nd , 2025 signed N1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law after it was presented to the Victor Oko Jumbo led 4 member house of Assembly.

Governor Fubara had in a state wide broadcast on Sunday said that he would implement the supreme court judgement without reservation after studying the content of the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgement.

In the meantime there is heavy security presence at the GRA Assembly quarters where the lawmakers use as their temporary chambers.

I’m not afraid, victory is certain – Fubara

Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured his supporters that victory is inevitable, despite the political challenges in the state.

He assured the immediate past council chairmen in attendance that there was no reason for concern.

Before addressing the crowd, Fuubara opened his speech with a passage from the Holy Bible, Philippians 3:18-19, emphasizing faith and resilience in the face of challenges.

“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things,” the governor read.

“Despite everything, victory is sure,” he declared, stating that the struggle is not just about winning but about standing for truth and fighting gallantly.

Governor Fubara declared that the era of deception in Rivers State is over, emphasizing that the state is now determined to take control of its destiny.

While reaffirming his commitment to peace, Fubara stated that when the time comes, the necessary decisions will be made in the best interest of the state.

“I am not afraid of anything. The worst that can happen is for me to leave office,” he said, underscoring his resolve to stand by his principles.

Addressing the youth, the governor assured them that at the right time, they would receive the necessary direction.

While reacting to the Supreme Court’s ruling which nullified the local government elections and also ordered that the Martin Amaewhule-led group resume sitting, the governor maintained that the future holds greater promise than the past.

He pledged to complete his tenure with honour and integrity, ensuring that his decisions remain defensible.

Fubara also emphasized the need to counter political propaganda with evidence of purposeful governance, citing the ongoing inauguration of state projects as a testament to his administration’s commitment to progress.

He stated that the newly commissioned project was designed to enhance work efficiency among public servants in government houses.

Cross River chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has objected to the recall of the suspended state Chairman of the party, Mr Venatius Ikem, by the National Working Committee (NWC).

This is contained in a statement issued by the state Secretary of the party, Mr Anthony Edako, on Monday in Calabar.

The party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) insisted that the chairman remained suspended until NWC and stakeholders met to decide otherwise.

According to the party, any purported decision to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having an expanded meeting to look into SEC’s complaint is null and void.

“We have been made aware of a letter circulating on social media, purportedly written by the national organising secretary reinstating the suspended state chairman.

“We wish to state categorically state that this letter is null and void, as it did not emanate from the proper channel having the authority to write such a letter,” the statement said.

The party said that only the national chairman and national secretary were authorised to write such a letter.

“So, the national oganising secretary overstepped his bounds, and his actions are consequently deemed ultra-vires,” it said.

The secretary recalled that on Nov. 20, 2024, NWC dismissed the suspension of the chairman of Cross River Chapter of PDP, Venatius Ikem, which was made on Nov. 15, 2024.

“The reason for the dismissal of the suspension was communicated to the SEC of the party.

“Consequently, the SEC of the party, on Nov. 22, 2024, suspended the state chairman based on the recommendation of the disciplinary committee of the state and communicated same to the national,” he said.

He further stated that SEC was invited by the NWC and after deliberations, it was unanimously agreed that NWC should convene a meeting with stakeholders from Cross River to determine Ikem’s fate.

“The meeting between the NWC and stakeholders from Cross River has not been convened yet.

“The meeting is a crucial step in ensuring that the decision-making process is transparent, fair and in line with our party’s constitution,” he said.

The secretary said that any purported decision taken to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having the expanded meeting to look into SEC’s complaint was, therefore, null and void.

He urged party members and stakeholders to disregard the said letter and continue to recognise the suspended chairman as such. (NAN)

The heightened security follows the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of power.

A heavy security presence has been deployed at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, amidst escalating tensions ahead of a crucial court hearing on March 7.

The hearing is related to the ongoing leadership crisis within the Assembly. To maintain order, operatives from various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Lagos State Task Force, have been strategically positioned around the complex.

They are conducting thorough checks on individuals and vehicles attempting to enter the premises.

The heightened security follows the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of power.

In response, Obasa filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of his removal, with the Lagos State High Court scheduling a hearing for March 7.

The leadership tussle has led to a tense atmosphere within the Assembly.

On Monday, an emergency plenary session was convened amid speculations that current Speaker Mojisola Meranda might resign to align with the party’s zoning arrangement.

Security personnel cordoned off the premises, thoroughly searching staff and visitors before granting entry.

Following reports that journalists were denied entry into the premises of the State House of Assembly, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin refuted the claim.

He said, “To forestall breakdown of law and order, CP Olohundare Jimoh ordered the proactive deployment of human and operational resources to the House of Assembly. This is also to ensure water-tight security and prevent miscreants and thugs from causing mayhem.

“For clarification, entry is allowed into the Assembly complex for journalists and every other person with genuine business to carry out there.

“Furthermore, part of the measures employed is diversion of vehicular traffic around the Assembly complex. This is necessary to ensure firm grip and control over the security architecture.

“For emphasis, there is no restriction of movement into the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the diversion of traffic was proactively emplaced to forestall breakdown of law and order in the Assembly and its environs.”

The situation has also impacted Assembly operations, with civil servants directed to work remotely until further notice due to the ongoing leadership dispute.

The Lagos House of Assembly has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following the removal of Speaker Obasa.

The crisis stems from internal power struggles within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and growing dissatisfaction among lawmakers regarding Obasa’s leadership style and alleged financial mismanagement.

Tensions escalated when Obasa was ousted, leading to the emergence of a new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, by the majority of the lawmakers.

However, the situation took a dramatic turn last week when Obasa, refusing to accept his removal, stormed the Assembly complex with a team of security operatives. His presence, accompanied by heavy security, was seen as an attempt to reclaim his position and assert control over the legislature.

This development has deepened the crisis, with divisions among lawmakers and interventions from key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, who is reportedly pushing for Obasa’s reinstatement despite resistance from some legislators.