Tensions remain high in Rivers State after Gov. Siminalayi Fubara’s attempt to access the State House of Assembly quarters was blocked on Wednesday.
This development comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the state government’s demolition of the House of Assembly complex in 2024.
This incident is the latest development in the ongoing power struggle between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who have been holding their sittings at the assembly quarters along Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
Persecondnews reports that Fubara was barred from entering the House of Assembly complex, where he was supposed to present the 2025 budget, after arriving with top officials, including Dr. Tammy Danagogo and Edison Ehie, only to find the gate locked.
Addressing journalists at the scene, the governor accused Speaker Martin Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him, stating that several calls placed to the lawmaker were declined or unanswered.
He said: “Before my arrival here, I made several attempts to speak to the Speaker. I also sent a letter which was transmitted for this particular invitation.
“Unfortunately, at the gate, you can see that the place is completely sealed, and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today.”
Fubara insisted that his actions were in the interest of the people, stressing that he remained committed to fulfilling his constitutional duties.
He said: “The reason why we are doing this, I have always said, is in the interest of our people, which is the most important thing. I don’t think there is anything to worry about. I expect to hear from them after today.”
After being denied access, the governor departed the scene with his entourage.
Persecondnews had reported that Gov. Fubara extended an olive branch to the Amaewhule-led members of the House of Assembly on March 9, inviting them to a meeting through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Danagogo.
The letter, addressed to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, is titled, “Meeting Between the Governor of Rivers State and the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
Danagogo said the meeting, set for 10 am on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, was prompted by the Governor’s receipt of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgement.
The letter outlined the agenda for the meeting, highlighting key discussion points such as securing a venue for lawmakers loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike to convene, presenting the 2025 budget, and addressing other pertinent issues.
Before the letter, the House of Assembly, upon resuming duty on Monday, March 4, 2025, in compliance with the Supreme Court’s February 28 order, directed Gov. Fubara to resubmit the appropriation bill within 48 hours.
It equally issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the chairman and commissioners of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to appear before it, and later extended the deadline by an additional 24 hours after the initial timeframe expired.
The House also directed Gov. Fubara to sack all his commissioners and appointees and submit a new list to the house for screening.
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