Ogona Anita
A member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Lolo Isaiah Opuende, has dismissed an invitation from Governor Siminialayi Fubara for a crucial meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt.n an online video, Opuende stated that it was time for the governor to “dey his dey” (be on his own) while the lawmakers would do the same.
Representing Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, Opuende recalled that when the political crisis began, their principal had warned that a time would come for both sides to go their separate ways.
He also questioned the mode of invitation transmission, arguing that it was not feasible for lawmakers to honor the governor’s request.
“How can you write a letter for the House of Assembly and put it on social media and expect us to come. The governor should write us the proper way”, he said.
Recall that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State reached out to lawmakers aligned with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, led by State House of Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule, for a meeting.
The invitation, communicated in a letter dated March 7 and signed by Tammy Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government, aims to discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling.
Scheduled for March 10, 2025, at the Governor’s Office in Port Harcourt, the meeting intends to address several issues related to the court’s judgment, which favored the Amaewhule-led lawmakers.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Fubara has committed to comply with its directives, including organizing new local government elections and acknowledging the pro-Wike lawmakers.
Danagogo’s letter indicates that Fubara has received the judgment and is seeking to engage in dialogue to implement the court’s decisions.
The letter states: “In continuation of His Excellency’s promise made in my previous correspondence dated March 5, 2025, I hereby notify you that the Supreme Court judgment has been received, and the Governor invites you and your colleagues to a meeting.”
Key topics for the upcoming meeting will include arrangements for assembly sittings, settling outstanding payments for lawmakers, budget presentation, and other matters aimed at fostering progress in the state.
“Accordingly, I invite the Rt Hon Speaker and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to meet with the Governor on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 10 am, at the Office of the Governor, Government House, Port Harcourt,” the letter concluded.
