Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, faced a major setback in his efforts to implement the Supreme Court judgment as he was denied entry into the Assembly quarters.
A video circulating online showed the governor arriving at the quarters, only to be met with a shut gate and no security personnel in sight.
Fubara, as proof of his presence, addressed the media at the entrance, explaining that he had made prior attempts to contact Speaker Amaewhule and other lawmakers, even writing a formal letter to inform them of his visit.
He regretted that despite these efforts, he was still barred from entering the premises.
He said; “I am here myself with Members of the State Executive to comply with the Supreme Court judgment.
“Before my arrival, I had already made several attempts. Made phone calls to reach the Speaker and other members and I also did a letter personally transmitted to the Honourable Speaker for this particular visitation, but it is unfortunate that at the gate I can see that the place is completely sealed and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today.
“The reason why we are doing this, I have always said it, it is for the interest of our people, which is the most important thing.
“Well, I do not think there is anything to worry about, maybe they are working on the letter, I expect to hear from them maybe after this hour.”
This development marks a new dimension in the ongoing crisis in Rivers State politics.
The governor’s visit was intended to facilitate the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, but the denial of entry has raised tensions and created uncertainty about the future of the state’s governance.
Also, the copy of the letter to the Speaker by the governor has surfaced dated 11th March wherein he informed the speaker of his visit today.
The letter reads: “PRESENTATION OF RIVERS STATE 2025 BUDGET TO THE RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
“Please recall my statewide broadcast of 2nd March 2025, in whichI expressed our unreserved commitment to implementing the recent Supreme Court judgement on the political disputes in Rivers State as soon as the enrolled judgment orders were served on us.
” It was in furtherance of this commitment that we initiated the consultative meeting with the Rivers State House of Assembly for the 10 of March 2025 to consider all the issues raised by the judgment and agree on the way forward in the best interest of our dear State.
“However, this crucial meeting was never held, which was unfortunate. Nevertheless, we have decided to move on to swiftly implement the terms of the judgment as promised having now been served with the certified true copy.
“Consequently, we wish to notify Mr Speaker of our desire and intention to present the
2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March 2025 by 10.00 a.m.
“Thank you for the kind consideration of my request by the House, and please accept, Mr. Speaker, the assurance of my higheşt regards.
