Rivers crises: Fubara locked out of Rivers Assembly complex

Abdullateef Fowewe

Drama ensued at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex when Governor Siminalayi Fubara arrived and discovered the entrance gate was locked.

Security personnel had closed the gates as the governor’s convoy approached, citing a lack of communication between his office and the Assembly, and Fubara, on the other hand, argued that he had informed Speaker Martins Amaewhule of his visit in a letter.

Additionally, the governor revealed that he had attempted to reach the Speaker by phone since Tuesday.

In December 2023, the 2025 budget was first presented to a faction of the Rivers State Assembly, but recent tensions have prompted renewed urgency.

Last week, the Assembly gave Governor Siminalayi Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to present the budget for the upcoming year.

In response, Fubara explained that he was waiting for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court ruling before moving forward with the presentation.

On Sunday, Governor Fubara sent a letter to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo.

The letter invited lawmakers to a meeting to discuss key issues arising from the Supreme Court decision. The talks are set to address the budget presentation, as well as the payment of unpaid salaries to legislators, among other critical matters, with the aim of finding a path forward for the state.