The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened as lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike have openly rejected an invitation from Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a crucial meeting.
The standoff, which has been escalating for months, took a dramatic turn when one of the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, Isaiah Opuende, dismissed Fubara’s call, urging the governor to “dey his dey.”
The meeting, scheduled for Monday at the Government House, was expected to address pressing legislative issues, including the provision of a sitting space for the Assembly, payment of outstanding allowances, and the presentation of the 2025 budget.
The invitation was extended via a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo.
Opuende, in a scathing response, lambasted the governor for inviting lawmakers through social media instead of issuing formal correspondence.
He recalled how Fubara had previously distanced himself from the lawmakers and accused him of now attempting to mend fences improperly.
“It is time for us to determine our dey. When the ‘dey your dey’ started, our principal said the time for our own ‘dey your dey’ would come. Now, our ‘dey your dey’ has come,” Opuende declared.
“Dey your dey, make we dey our dey. How can you wire a letter and post it on social media and expect us to honour it? You know we are not kids. The governor should properly write to the Assembly. That’s all. Thank you.”
The refusal of the lawmakers to honor the invitation further intensifies the crisis that has crippled the Rivers State House of Assembly, which has been operating in factions since the dispute between Fubara and Wike erupted.
Beyond the lawmakers’ rejection, former local government chairmen who served under Wike have also joined in ridiculing Fubara.
A viral video circulating on social media shows a former chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, along with other supporters, dancing and mocking the governor’s attempt to engage the Assembly members
In the video, they repeatedly sang, “Dey your dey, make I dey my dey, dey your dey, nobody worry Amaewhule,” referring to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, another Wike loyalist, emphasizing their stance against Fubara.
The rejection of Fubara’s invitation underscores the worsening political divide in Rivers State.
The crisis, which began after the Supreme Court upheld Fubara’s election victory, has seen a power struggle between the governor and his predecessor, Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
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