Fact-Check: Tinubu got it wrong; Fubara didn’t abandon House of Assembly building

Daniel Adaji, Abuja

Amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu recently made a series of allegations against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of demolishing the House of Assembly complex without reconstruction, failing to comply with Supreme Court directives, and neglecting security concerns in the state. This fact-check examines the accuracy of these claims using verified reports and legal findings.

Claims

A) Demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex:
President Tinubu alleged that Governor Fubara unjustifiably demolished the House of Assembly complex on December 13, 2023, and had not rebuilt it 14 months later.

Findings: Reports confirm that on December 13, 2023, the Rivers State Government demolished the Assembly complex. The government justified the demolition by citing structural defects resulting from an earlier explosion and fire outbreak, rendering the building unsafe for legislative activities. However, the claim that the building was abandoned fell short of the truth as social media images and sources in the State government confirm 80 per cent completion of the demolished building.

Verdict: False

B) Supreme Court Judgment on February 28, 2025:
The President referenced a Supreme Court judgment criticizing Governor Fubara’s actions and declaring that “as it is there is no government in Rivers State.”

Findings

On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria and other agencies from disbursing funds to the Rivers State Government until compliance with previous court rulings. The court condemned the demolition of the Assembly complex and criticized the governor for presenting the 2024 budget to only four out of 31 Assembly members, labeling it a violation of constitutional procedures.

Verdict: True

C) Claim: Militant Threats and Pipeline Vandalism:
President Tinubu claimed that militants threatened violence against perceived enemies of the governor, whom he had not disowned, and that recent incidents of pipeline vandalism occurred without action from the governor.

Findings

The embattled governor in a statement on Friday denied the allegation adding that the president was misinformed about the incident.

Verdict: This claim remains *unverified* due to the lack of concrete evidence.

D) Failure to Facilitate the Passing of an Appropriation Bill:
The President alleged that the Supreme Court ordered the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly, which had not been facilitated.

Findings

The Supreme Court criticized Governor Fubara for presenting the 2024 Appropriation Bill to only four out of 31 Assembly members, deeming it unconstitutional and highlighting the lack of a legally passed budget.

However, the Board of Trustees and expanded National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum in a statement on Friday argued that “On 13th March, 2025, the Governor wrote to the State House of Assembly intimating them of his willingness, in compliance with the Supreme Court judgement and the directive of Mr. President to present his 2025 Budget to the Assembly on Wednesday, 19th March, 2025. The following day, 14th March, 2025, the House of Assembly announced that they were proceeding on an indefinite adjournment. It is curious that while on this adjournment, the House started impeachment proceedings against the Governor and his Deputy by issuing Notice of Gross Misconduct.”

Verdict: Unverified

E) Non-Cooperation Between the Governor and the State House of Assembly:
The President claimed that both the Governor and the House have not been able to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.

Findings

The political crisis in Rivers State has led to a divided House of Assembly, with factions loyal to different political figures, resulting in parallel sittings and legislative gridlock.

Verdict: True