Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was on Wednesday denied entry to the official quarters of the state House of Assembly along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, where lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, are currently holding plenary sessions.
Accompanied by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, Fubara arrived at the complex to present the state’s 2025 budget but encountered a locked gate, preventing his access.
Fubara had previously pledged to implement the Supreme Court ruling, which includes the formal presentation of the 2024 budget. The budget was initially presented to a four-member Assembly faction in December 2023.
Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget.
In response, Fubara stated that he was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment before proceeding. On Sunday, a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, was sent to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, inviting lawmakers for discussions on the Supreme Court ruling. These talks were expected to address issues such as the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to the legislators, among other matters, to move the state forward.
The governor accused Speaker Martins Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him, stating that numerous calls made to the lawmaker went unanswered.
He remarked, “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 reiterated that his actions were in the interest of the people, affirming his commitment to fulfilling his constitutional duties. “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,” he added.
Following his brief address to the press, the governor and his entourage departed the premises.
