The political tussle in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers loyal to his estranged godfather, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, has escalated to the Supreme Court. The faction supporting Fubara, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, has filed an appeal at the apex court to challenge a recent judgment by the Appeal Court. This judgment nullified an earlier order from the Rivers State High Court that restrained pro-Wike lawmakers from parading themselves as members of the state assembly, stating that only the Federal High Court has jurisdiction over the matter.
Governor Fubara, undeterred by the Appeal Court's decision, reaffirmed his administration's commitment to the state's development. During an inspection of reconstruction work at the Zonal Hospital in Bori Town, he emphasized the challenges faced by his government but assured the public of continued progress. Drawing from Psalm 23:5, Fubara noted that overcoming obstacles is part of the governance process and reassured the citizens that his administration would continue to deliver on its promises.
According to The PUNCH reports, Fubara said: "I know that a lot of you will be wondering what is going on and all that. Government has its own challenges. If you go to the book of Psalm 23 verse 5, in the Bible, it says that God prepares a table before you; it can be before anybody. But there is an underlined word that should be noted there: it said ‘in the presence of your enemies. But, like I said before, the worst is over".
Oko-Jumbo criticized the Appeal Court's ruling, asserting that the court erred in its judgment regarding jurisdiction. He maintained that his faction represents the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly and disputed the court's failure to acknowledge the removal of pro-Wike lawmakers. According to Oko-Jumbo, the Appeal Court did not declare Martin Amaewhule and his 24 supporters as valid members of the assembly.
The factional speaker affirmed that an appeal had been lodged with the Supreme Court to address the perceived error in the Appeal Court's ruling. He emphasized that until a competent court rules otherwise, the pro-Wike lawmakers are not recognized members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.