Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was on Wednesday denied access to the official quarters of the State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt, where lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now hold their sittings.
Fubara arrived at the complex alongside top government officials, including Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, and Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, only to find the gate locked.
Addressing journalists, he accused Speaker Martin Amaewhule of avoiding him, stating that his calls and an official letter notifying the Assembly of his visit were ignored.
“Before my arrival here, I made several attempts to speak to the Speaker,” he said.
“I also sent a letter. Unfortunately, the gate is completely sealed, and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today,” he said.
The governor had visited to re-present the 2025 budget, following a Supreme Court ruling on February 28 that recognised Amaewhule as the Speaker.
He maintained that his actions were in the interest of the people and that he remained committed to his constitutional duties.
“The reason why we are doing this, I have always said, is in the interest of our people, which is the most important thing. I don’t think there is anything to worry about. I expect to hear from them after today,” he added.
However, former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, condemned Fubara’s visit, arguing that he should have waited for official approval.
Speaking at a media chat in Abuja, Wike accused Fubara of seeking public sympathy.
“If you write a letter to the Assembly, won’t you wait for a response? He is playing to the gallery,” Wike said.
“Can the President just walk into the National Assembly without an invitation? Who does that?”
Wike also pointed out that the lawmakers relocated their sittings to the quarters after Fubara’s administration demolished the Assembly Complex in December 2023.
“You cannot just open the gate and say, ‘I’m coming to present the budget.’ That’s nonsense. Rubbish,” he added.
Following the standoff, Fubara and his entourage left the premises, with the governor saying he expected further communication from the lawmakers.
