By Capital Watch Media
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was denied entry to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters on Wednesday, preventing his scheduled presentation of the state’s 2025 budget.
The incident occurred in the morning when the governor arrived at the Assembly complex, only to find the gates locked. Despite repeated attempts, Fubara and his entourage were unable to gain access.
A source close to the situation confirmed the development. “The governor was ready to present the budget in line with the Supreme Court ruling, but he was locked out without any explanation,” the source said.
The governor had previously committed to implementing the Supreme Court’s judgement, which included the formal presentation of the 2024 budget. This budget had been initially presented in December 2023 to a four-member faction of the Assembly.
Tensions escalated last week when the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Fubara to present the 2025 budget. The governor, however, stated he was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgement before taking further steps.
In an effort to resolve the impasse, the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, wrote to Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule on Sunday, inviting lawmakers to discussions on the Supreme Court ruling.
The discussions were expected to address not only the budget presentation but also the payment of outstanding salaries to legislators and other pressing state matters.
A senior official in the governor’s office expressed frustration over the Assembly’s actions. “This is a clear obstruction of due process. The governor is ready to work with the Assembly, but they must also show willingness to cooperate,” the official stated.
No official statement has yet been released by the Rivers State House of Assembly regarding the locked gates or the reasons behind the governor’s denied access.
Efforts to reach Speaker Martins Amaewhule for comments were unsuccessful, as his office remained silent on the issue throughout the day.
Political observers suggest that the standoff reflects ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative branches in the state, though both sides have called for adherence to the rule of law.
As the situation develops, residents of Rivers State await clarity on the fate of the 2025 budget and the resolution of the political deadlock between the governor and the Assembly.
