The controversy surrounding Gov. Siminalayi Fubara’s denied access to the State House of Assembly quarters on Wednesday has sparked heated debates, with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, strongly condemning what he called the governor’s “uninvited appearance.”
Wike said Fubara should have obtained approval before visiting, particularly given the demolition of the Assembly Complex in December 2023 by the governor.
Speaking at a media chat in Abuja on Wednesday, monitored by Persecondnews, Wike insisted that the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly should have given Fubara permission before his arrival.
Persecondnews had reported 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 Mr. Edison Ehie.
This came after the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, which recognised Amaewhule as the Speaker.
Fubara claimed that he had notified Speaker Amaewhule in advance of his visit, which he revealed to reporters at the scene.
The state government said he had also sent an official letter to notify the House.
However, Wike rejected Fubara’s actions, stating, “If you write a letter to the Assembly, won’t you wait for a response? He is playing to the gallery. He has carried television people to say he went to the story.
“You know it’s wrong. Can the president now stand up and go to the National Assembly? Who does that?”
Wike condemned Fubara’s unauthorized attempt to enter the Assembly quarters, pointing out that the lawmakers now convene there because their original complex was demolished.
He said: “He brought the Assembly Complex down. Assembly now sits in their residence. If you are coming, they have children; they will say the governor is coming today, so they have to prepare themselves.”
Wike further lambasted Fubara’s tactics, labeling them “rubbish” and accusing the governor of attempting to garner public sympathy through his actions.
He said: “You cannot just go and open the gate and say: ‘I’m coming to present budget. Nonsense. Rubbish. Who is doing that? Playing to the gallery. Nobody will hear that.”
This incident is the latest development in the ongoing power struggle between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Wike, who have been holding their sittings at the assembly quarters along Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
Addressing journalists at the scene, the governor accused Speaker Martin Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him, stating that several calls placed to him 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.
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