An elder statesman in Rivers State, Sunny Chukwumele, has criticized the state House of Assembly for directing Governor Sim Fubara to present the state budget and submit a list of commissioner nominees without allowing him to settle back into office. This directive comes after a six-month state of emergency in the state was lifted by President Bola Tinubu on September 17, 2025, paving the way for Fubara’s return to office.

He said, “They ought to have paid him a visit first, not in their plenary begin to dish out directives to the elected Governor. That was a very wrong step and a wrong move.”

Chukwumele also commended Fubara for dissolving the State Pensions Board and urged him to dissolve the board of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission as well.

He added, “We would be looking forward to further actions. He also must dissolve the State Independent Electoral Commission and other actions that will come from there.”

An aide to Governor Fubara, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, to the aforementioned publication, expressed doubt that most of the Governor’s commissioners will return or be reappointed.

He stated, “I doubt if that will happen because a lot of restructuring is going on as I speak with you. Many things are going on behind the scenes. This is the most I can say for now.”

Background of the Crisis
The state of emergency was declared due to a deepening political crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The crisis led to Fubara’s suspension and the paralysis of democratic governance in the state.²

Chukwumele’s Standpoint
Chukwumele believes that the Assembly should have paid Fubara a courtesy visit before issuing directives. “They ought to have paid him a visit first, not in their plenary begin to dish out directives to the elected Governor. That was a very wrong step and a wrong move,” he stated. Chukwumele’s comments underscore the need for the executive and legislative arms of government to work together harmoniously.

Implications of the Directive
The Assembly’s directive to Fubara includes presenting the 2025 budget and submitting a list of commissioner nominees for screening. This move has raised concerns about the potential for further conflict between the two arms of government.

Governor Fubara’s Position
Fubara has been directed to submit the budget within 48 hours. The governor had previously signed a ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law after presenting it to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers. The development has added a fresh layer of complexity to the political landscape in Rivers State.