Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has voiced his frustration after being denied access to the state’s House of Assembly on Wednesday, despite previously notifying lawmakers of his intention to attend.
The governor, who was attempting to re-present the 2025 state budget as mandated by the Assembly, expressed his readiness to resolve the matter, regardless of the setback.
Speaking at the commissioning of new health facilities in Khana Local Government Area shortly after the incident, Governor Fubara clarified that he had informed Speaker Martins Amaewhule of his planned visit. The visit was intended to fulfill the Assembly’s request following the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025.
“I am still hopeful that they may be instructed to allow me entry. If that happens, I am prepared to come any day to address this issue and move forward,” Fubara stated, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the budgetary process.
The governor’s office also shared a formal letter informing the House of his visit.
The ongoing political tensions stem from a recent Supreme Court ruling that resolved several long-standing disputes in Rivers State. On February 28, 2025, the court issued a series of rulings, including a dismissal of Fubara’s appeal challenging the legitimacy of the current Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Amaewhule.
In addition, the court ordered the immediate resumption of the House’s sittings and barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other federal agencies from releasing funds to the state government until it adheres to prior court orders. The court also invalidated the state’s October 5, 2024 local government elections.
In response to the court’s rulings, Governor Fubara pledged to fully comply with the Supreme Court’s directives, including the reorganization of local government elections.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) was subsequently tasked with preparing for new elections, which have been scheduled for August 9, 2025.
However, tensions have continued to rise. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Assembly issued an arrest warrant for the RSIEC Chief, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), due to his failure to attend a House hearing.
Additionally, on March 7, 2025, Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, reached out to the Assembly to arrange a meeting for March 10, 2025, to discuss both the re-presentation of the 2025 budget and to seek a peace dialogue. However, the Assembly insisted that the governor follow proper procedures for such invitations.
The ongoing political drama and legal battles in Rivers State highlight the strained relationship between the governor and the Assembly, as both sides navigate the complexities of the Supreme Court’s decisions and the challenges of governance in the oil-rich state.
