Samuel Ogeh, a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and Ibim Semenitari, a former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), have expressed differing views on Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s invitation to the Rivers lawmakers led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
Following the Supreme Court ruling that validated Amaewhule and other lawmakers as legitimate members of the Rivers House of Assembly, Fubara invited the lawmakers to a meeting and also asked them to consider the 2025 budget.
Ogeh criticized the invitation, calling it disrespectful because the letter was not personally signed by the governor. He argued that it undermined the House, stating, “If there is good intention, there is nothing wrong, but people must learn how to accept their mistakes. I am not speaking for the Speaker, but from my perspective, that letter does not seem to aim for any positive outcome, as it conveys disrespect to the House.” Ogeh shared this view during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
On the other hand, Semenitari offered a more optimistic outlook, suggesting that the invitation could lead to lasting peace in the conflict-ridden South-South state. “I would like to believe this will bring lasting peace because, ultimately, it is about the interest of Rivers, and all the key figures involved are Rivers citizens. I would hope that no Rivers citizen would want anything but peace,” Semenitari said on the same program.
The letter of invitation, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, was obtained by Channels Television on Sunday. The meeting is set to take place at the Governor’s Office in Port Harcourt on Monday.
The lawmakers had previously given Governor Fubara 48 hours to present the 2025 budget for their consideration, following a Supreme Court decision that mandated Amaewhule and other elected members of the Rivers State Assembly to resume their duties.
