Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed his readiness to re-present the 2025 budget to the State House of Assembly, following a ruling by the Supreme Court on February 28, 2025. However, his attempt to deliver the budget was thwarted on Wednesday when he was locked out of the Assembly Complex, sparking a public dispute between the executive and legislative arms of the state government.
Speaking to journalists at the Assembly Complex gate, Governor Fubara voiced his frustration, stating that despite informing Speaker Martins Amaewhule in advance of his visit, he was still barred from entering the premises. “I had already informed the Speaker about my visit. I came to re-present the budget as directed by the Supreme Court’s ruling. I still believe, maybe, they might be instructed later. If they are, I’m still ready to come any day to get this issue sorted out,” he said.
The Governor arrived at the complex with senior officials, including Secretary to the State Government Dr. Tammy Danagogo and Chief of Staff Dr. Edison Ehie. Fubara alleged that Speaker Amaewhule had been deliberately avoiding him, claiming that his calls had gone unanswered.
In response, the Chairman of the House Committee on Publicity, Hon. Enemi George, dismissed the Governor’s accusations, saying no formal communication had been received regarding the budget re-presentation. He explained that the lawmakers had relocated to the Assembly Quarters after the destruction of the main complex in 2023, and the gate of the old complex was locked due to residents living there.
“The Governor was on his way to Ogoni to commission a project and decided to stop over at the Assembly. It is not true that he was locked out. This is very embarrassing,” Hon. George stated, adding that formal procedures must be followed for significant events like budget presentations.
The standoff between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly has added to the ongoing political tensions between the executive and legislative branches of the state government. The dispute highlights the growing challenges in the state’s political landscape as both sides continue to clash over institutional procedures and communication.
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