The Rivers State Government has accused the State House of Assembly of deliberately undermining Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s efforts to implement a Supreme Court ruling addressing the state’s ongoing political crisis. The charge came from the Commissioner for Information, Joe Johnson, on Monday, in response to claims by Enemi Alabo-George, Chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on Information, who alleged that Fubara was delaying the process.

Johnson countered that the Assembly has repeatedly ignored official correspondence from the governor, despite his persistent attempts to engage. He pointed to video evidence showing state officials attempting to deliver documents, only to be rebuffed by lawmakers. Some of these letters, Johnson noted, were even published in national newspapers to ensure transparency. He dismissed Alabo-George’s demand for acknowledgment copies of the correspondence, arguing that none could be provided since the Assembly never accepted the documents in the first place.

Addressing recent accusations of gross misconduct leveled against Fubara and his deputy, Johnson said the executive branch has yet to receive any formal communication from the Assembly on the matter. He emphasized that the governor remains committed to peace, as demonstrated by his compliance with a court order transitioning power from elected local government chairmen to Heads of Local Government Administrations. Fubara, he added, is also prepared to implement additional directives from the Supreme Court once he receives the Certified True Copy of the judgment.

However, Johnson accused the Assembly of responding with antagonism, including issuing ultimatums to both the governor and the state electoral commission. He labeled these moves as calculated attempts to incite chaos, noting that legal experts have questioned their legitimacy. The commissioner further criticized the Assembly’s recent push to investigate the Chief Judge, arguing that such actions reveal misplaced priorities that do not serve the state’s interests.

From the outset, Johnson asserted, the lawmakers—many of whom are seen as loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike—have pursued self-serving agendas rather than focusing on governance and the welfare of Rivers State residents. The escalating tensions highlight the deepening rift between the executive and legislative arms amid the state’s political turmoil.

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