A tense standoff unfolded at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on Wednesday when Governor Siminalayi Fubara arrived, only to find the entrance gate locked.
The gates were firmly shut, barring his entry into the Assembly quarters, where legislators have been sitting reportedly to present 2024 budget. But they were denied access.
Security personnel at the complex barred the governor’s convoy from entering, citing the absence of official communication between the governor and the Assembly.
However, Fubara insisted he had formally notified Speaker Martins Amaewhule of his visit through a letter and had also attempted to reach him by phone since Tuesday.
Governor Fubara had earlier expressed his commitment to uphold the Supreme Court’s judgment, which included the formal presentation of the 2024 budget.
However, in December 2023, the budget was only presented to a faction of the Assembly, comprising just four members.
Last week, the Assembly issued a stern 48-hour deadline, demanding the governor’s presentation of the 2025 budget. In response, Fubara clarified that he was still awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court’s ruling before moving forward.
Adding to the ongoing tensions, a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, was sent to Speaker Martins Amaewhule on Sunday.
The letter invited the lawmakers to a crucial discussion, where key issues such as the budget presentation and the overdue payment of salaries for the legislators would be addressed, aiming to resolve the ongoing disputes and create a path forward for the state.
The locked gates outside the Assembly complex signal a tense political climate, as both the executive and legislative arms of government remain at an impasse.
