(DDM) – The political tension in Rivers State intensified on Thursday as the renewed confrontation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, resurfaced in the public arena.
The fresh clash erupted on Thursday, December 11, 2025, during a media briefing in Port Harcourt, where Amaewhule accused Governor Fubara of dishonesty and deliberate provocation.
DDM gathered that the outburst followed the governor’s recent comments on the ownership and control of the Assembly complex, which the Speaker strongly disputed.
Amaewhule described the governor as “a liar” and “a man actively looking for trouble,” insisting that Fubara’s statements on the crisis were misleading the people of Rivers State.
He argued that the governor had repeatedly attempted to bypass legal provisions guiding the operations of the legislature.
Amaewhule maintained that he, not the governor, retains lawful authority over the Assembly complex.
He stressed that his leadership still holds the constitutional mandate recognized by the court.
He added that Governor Fubara had no right to interfere with Assembly matters or redefine legislative control.
His remarks were triggered by comments from Fubara’s Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, who told journalists that Amaewhule “holds the key to the Assembly complex” and should answer questions regarding recent tensions.
Ehie’s comments were made shortly after reports of renewed hostility between both sides surfaced again in the state.
The crisis between the governor and the Assembly dates back to October 2023 when a division emerged within the legislative house.
The rift led to the impeachment attempt against Governor Fubara by a faction loyal to Amaewhule.
The crisis further escalated when the Assembly complex was demolished in late 2023 under controversial circumstances.
The Rivers State Government claimed the structure was unsafe and required renovation.
Opposition voices, however, insisted the demolition was politically motivated.
The feud persisted for over a year, even after multiple peace interventions, including the Abuja Peace Pact engineered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Despite the agreement, both the governor and the Assembly have continued to accuse each other of violating the terms of the settlement.
Amaewhule emphasized on Thursday that the truth must be told about the crisis.
He said the governor had continually misrepresented the facts to gain public sympathy.
He insisted that the Assembly remains an independent arm of government and should not be controlled by the executive.
Observers note that the latest exchange suggests the peace pact has collapsed completely.
Political analysts warn that the renewed confrontation poses a threat to governance and stability in Rivers State.
They argue that both sides appear determined to fight for dominance.
Civil society groups have called for restraint and urged leaders to prioritize the welfare of the people.
They warned that the prolonged power struggle could hinder development and deepen divisions.
The situation remains tense as Rivers residents await further reactions from the governor’s camp.
Many fear the conflict may escalate further if urgent political reconciliation is not achieved.