The political landscape of Rivers State is experiencing a significant shift as Governor Siminalayi Fubara extends an olive branch to the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule. This move comes in the wake of a Supreme Court judgment that has seemingly altered the balance of power in the state. The invitation, formalized in a letter issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, signals a potential turning point in the ongoing political crisis.

Governor Fubara has summoned Speaker Amaewhule and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to a crucial meeting scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Government House in Port Harcourt. This meeting aims to address several critical issues, including securing a suitable space for the Assembly's sittings and settling outstanding remuneration and allowances for lawmakers. The agenda also encompasses the presentation of the 2025 budget and other matters essential to the state's progress.

This invitation marks the first time Governor Fubara has officially recognized Martin Amaewhule as the Speaker of the Assembly, a move seen as a direct response to the Supreme Court's judgment. The court's decision has seemingly compelled the governor to engage with the Amaewhule-led faction, which is largely loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The decision to extend this invitation followed a period of heightened tension, marked by ultimatums issued by the Assembly to the governor. These included demands for the presentation of the 2025 budget and the removal of commissioners and board members not screened by the Assembly. The Assembly also summoned the Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (RIEC) regarding the move to conduct fresh elections.

In related developments, two commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Professor Simeon Emenike Weli and Dr. Lazbery Nyebuchi Nnah, have resigned from their positions, citing the Supreme Court judgment nullifying the October 5, 2024, Local Government Elections. Additionally, legal challenges persist as commissioners whose appointments were approved by a faction loyal to Governor Fubara have filed a lawsuit against the Rivers State House of Assembly, seeking to prevent the enforcement of resolutions declaring their appointments null and void. The RSIEC Chairman and his commissioners have also challenged the Assembly's authority to summon them for questioning.

Amidst these legal and political maneuvers, public affairs analyst Amadi Anyakweh Miracle Esq. has advised Governor Fubara to work collaboratively with the Rivers State House of Assembly, emphasizing the finality of the Supreme Court's judgment. Anyakweh cautioned against listening to detractors and urged the governor to acknowledge the role and authority of the House of Assembly to govern the state effectively.

The upcoming meeting between Governor Fubara and the Amaewhule-led Assembly is viewed as a crucial step toward resolving the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State. It remains to be seen whether this dialogue will pave the way for a more stable and cooperative governance structure in the state.