In a recent video interview with Channels TV from 25:25, Honourable Samson Osiage, former Minority Whip in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, addressed the unfolding political drama in Rivers State.
The state’s governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is caught in a complex situation, navigating his governance with a majority opposition in the State Assembly. This tension stems from an escalating political rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, former Governor Nyesom Wike.
At the core of the conflict lies a legislative impasse, which has left Rivers State without a valid budget. Honourable Osiage pointed out that the situation has led to a gridlock, severely hindering Fubara’s ability to govern effectively. He explained that the invalidation of the state’s budget is a direct result of the unresolved disagreements between the Governor and the State Assembly. Without a functioning budget, the governance of Rivers State remains at a standstill, making it impossible for the government to fund public services or projects legally.
Osiage did not mince words in outlining a solution. He emphasized the importance of Governor Fubara appealing to the courts to resolve this constitutional crisis. According to Osiage, it is crucial for the governor to understand that he cannot govern without a budget approved by the legislative body. He urged the governor to “swallow his pride, negotiate with the legislators, and resume legislative duties.”
By working through legal channels, Osiage argued, Fubara could salvage the situation, adding that adherence to the rule of law is in the governor’s own interest. He warned that failure to do so would be akin to “authoritarianism and tyranny.”
Furthermore, Osiage made it clear that any business conducted in the name of the Rivers State House of Assembly without legislative approval is null and void, lacking any legal authority. He stressed that for Fubara to govern effectively, he must recognize the legislative process and cooperate with lawmakers to restore functionality to the state government.
The takeaway from Osiage’s interview is clear: politics must be conducted within the framework of the law. Fubara faces two choices—either obey the court’s decisions and negotiate with the legislature, or risk running an unconstitutional government without the legal authority to allocate public funds.