A fresh crisis is brewing between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Siminalayi Fubara as lawmakers criticised the state government for allegedly abandoning public schools, despite that the state’s Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), left over N600bn in state accounts on his exit in September.
Fubara, however, reflected on the political crisis that rocked Rivers State, noting that he experienced peace only after the six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu was lifted.
Six months after assuming office in 2023, a disagreement between Fubara and his predecessor and political godfather, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, escalated into a major political crisis.
The impasse led to the emergence of two Speakers in the House of Assembly—Martin Amaewhule, loyal to Wike, and Edison Ehie, loyal to Fubara—following the bombing of the Assembly complex amid rumours of an impeachment plot against the governor.
As the crisis peaked in March 2025, President Tinubu declared a six-month emergency rule, suspending both the governor and lawmakers and appointing Ibas as Sole Administrator.
The emergency rule ended on September 18, 2025, after which both the governor and the Assembly resumed duties, pledging to work together.
Last week, Fubara inspected the under-construction Assembly complex, expressing delight that it would be ready this month for the presentation of the 2026 budget.
However, on Monday, lawmakers criticised his administration for paying “lip service” to the deteriorating infrastructure in public schools.
The House Committee Chairman on Education, Igwe Aforji, had visited Township School 1 and 2 along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, describing the facilities as deplorable.
Speaker Amaewhule said students are learning under terrible conditions and teachers are overstretched.
“As of yesterday the House committee chairman on education found out that one teacher is teaching two classes—Primary 1 and 2—in one classroom. So the teacher will teach Primary 1 a little while Primary 2 is listening to Primary 1 class. Then Primary 1 will stop listening while the teacher teaches Primary 2. Maybe they are blocking their ears, and they are in the same classroom,” he said.
He also highlighted the lack of basic amenities, noting that one school near the government house and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company headquarters had no power, toilets, or security.
“Vandals have taken over the school. They destroy the little facilities they have there. The Rivers State Executive Council has not done anything,” he said.
