Three months after the Rivers State House of Assembly last convened to screen commissioner-nominees, the legislature remains dormant, raising alarm among citizens and civic groups.
The Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, adjourned indefinitely after its March 9 plenary, leaving key ministries, including health, information, environment, and justice without commissioners.Civil society leaders and political stakeholders have criticized the prolonged inactivity.
Obinna Ebogidi of the Rivers Peace Initiative warned that “the real cost of prolonged legislative inactivity is measured in the uncertainty it creates for citizens, businesses, investors and development partners.”
Chief Sunnie Chukumele of the Coalition of Rivers Elders of Thought accused lawmakers of serving political interests rather than the people, while former federal lawmaker Ogbonna Nwuke described the Assembly as failing to meet constitutional requirements for plenary sessions.
Youth groups, including the South-South Youths Initiative, condemned the absence of oversight and debate, calling it a betrayal of voters.
The Civil Liberties Organisation echoed these concerns, stressing that democracy is weakened when legislative institutions remain inactive.
While critics largely blame the Assembly’s leadership, some allies of Minister Nyesom Wike argue that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s strained relationship with lawmakers has worsened the situation.
With the 2027 elections approaching, stakeholders are urging Rivers citizens to demand accountability and elect representatives committed to governance rather than political patronage.
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