A significant political crisis appears to be unfolding in Rivers State, as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, has publicly accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of deliberately reigniting tensions in the oil-rich region. Amaewhule specifically refuted the governor’s public assertion that he had been unable to convene meetings with the State lawmakers, labeling the governor's claim as a falsehood. The Speaker clarified, “It’s important I make this clarification, first and foremost the governor lied when he said he hasn’t been able to meet with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.” He further confirmed that a meeting had indeed taken place shortly after a 'State of Emergency' was called off, facilitated by the FCT Minister, involving both the governor and principal officials of the Assembly, a meeting which Amaewhule himself attended.

Contrary to Governor Fubara's public pronouncements, Speaker Amaewhule insisted that lawmakers had engaged in multiple meetings with the governor. He condemned Fubara’s comments as “insincere” and indicative of “poor leadership,” suggesting they were a calculated attempt to create the impression of a breakdown in communication. Amaewhule expressed his belief that this action was intended to pave the way for yet another political crisis within the state, urging the people of Rivers to dismiss the governor’s remarks and remain vigilant amidst persistent political tensions.

Conversely, Governor Fubara had, earlier the same week, dismissed all speculations regarding a rift between him and either federal or state lawmakers from Rivers. Speaking at the commissioning of the extended and dualized 28.4-kilometre Ahoada–Omoku Road project, the governor maintained that claims of a strained relationship were entirely unfounded. He stated that arrangements for a meeting with the lawmakers were already in motion, thereby refuting insinuations that he was intentionally avoiding them. Fubara elaborated that the plan for such a session involved his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, alongside elder statesman Ferdinand Alabraba and other key leaders, to convene the gathering. He emphatically stated that anyone alleging he declined to meet with lawmakers or rejected proposals concerning them “is not telling the truth.”

Furthermore, Governor Fubara, who had announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) just one day prior, utilized the road commissioning event to rally support for President Bola Tinubu among the people of Rivers State. He articulated that his decision to join the APC was not driven by personal ambition but was a strategic move aimed at fostering peace and ensuring steady progress across the state. The governor concluded by urging his supporters and all Rivers people to remain steadfast, reject divisive politics, and stand firmly behind both the President and the state government.