Tonye Cole, a key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has expressed grave concerns over the recent political standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly. According to Cole, the action of preventing Governor Fubara from entering the Assembly to present the 2025 budget is a clear sign of escalating political conflict and could be disastrous for the state’s future.
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Governor Fubara attempted to present the state’s 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Assembly but was blocked at the gate. The Governor, who was scheduled to present the budget following a directive from the Assembly, arrived at the Assembly complex to find the gates locked. His subsequent claim that he had been denied access stirred a fresh round of controversy.
In response to the Governor’s allegations, Enemi Alabo George, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, dismissed the claims, calling them a “comedy skit” aimed at discrediting the Assembly. George insisted that the Assembly had, in fact, formally invited the Governor to present the budget following the Supreme Court’s ruling on March 3, 2025, which clarified issues surrounding the state’s political leadership. According to George, the Assembly had acted promptly to ensure that the people of Rivers State would not suffer due to delays in the approval of the budget.
Despite this, Tonye Cole, a former governorship candidate in the state, viewed the incident as a dangerous escalation in the power struggle between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers. In a television interview, Cole strongly condemned the actions of the Assembly, warning that blocking the Governor’s access was not just a political move but a “declaration of war” against him. According to Cole, this move signifies that while Fubara may hold the title of Governor, the real power in Rivers has shifted elsewhere, and it could have long-term consequences for the state’s governance and development.
“This is not just a disagreement between political figures. It’s a dangerous power play that will have a negative impact on Rivers State,” Cole said. “When you prevent the Governor from doing his job, you are sending a loud and clear message that the state is not being properly governed. It affects not just the politicians but the people of Rivers State who rely on a stable government for progress and investment.”
The political tension in Rivers State has been building for months, especially after the March 3rd Supreme Court judgment, which resolved issues surrounding the legitimacy of Governor Fubara’s election. The court ruling, which was seen as a victory for Fubara, did not seem to ease the mounting political tension between the Governor and the State Assembly. Some political analysts have noted that there may be deeper issues at play, with factions within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state contributing to the strife. Governor Fubara’s refusal to attend certain Assembly sessions in the past had already raised concerns about a deteriorating relationship between the executive and legislative branches.
For Rivers State, a region known for its rich resources, especially oil and gas, the political crisis could not have come at a worse time. The state relies on a stable government to attract investment and stimulate economic growth. Cole warned that if the political standoff continues, it could scare off potential investors and halt the development that the state desperately needs.
“We need to remember that at the end of the day, the people of Rivers State are the ones who will suffer most,” he said. “Businesses won’t want to invest in a state where there is constant political instability. The state’s economy will suffer, and the people will bear the brunt of it.”
The situation between Fubara and the Assembly has also raised questions about the broader political climate in Nigeria. With many states grappling with internal power struggles, the events in Rivers State serve as a reminder of how fragile political stability can be, especially in a country where the lines between political parties, governors, and legislatures can sometimes become blurred.
Looking forward, many are wondering whether this crisis will be resolved peacefully or escalate into a more serious confrontation. Both Fubara and the Assembly have expressed a willingness to work together, but the lack of trust and the deepening divisions between them could prove difficult to overcome.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Rivers State to see how the political actors involved navigate the crisis. In the meantime, citizens, many of whom are already struggling with economic hardships, will continue to bear the consequences of this ongoing political drama. The question on many minds is: How much longer can Rivers State endure this political turmoil before it starts to affect every aspect of life in the region?
Ultimately, the events in Rivers State are a stark reminder of the importance of cooperation and dialogue in Nigerian politics. For now, however, it appears that both sides are digging in their heels, and it remains unclear how this political impasse will end. What is certain, though, is that the people of Rivers will continue to watch with bated breath as the battle for power rages on.
