The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, a known ally of former Governor Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday shut the Assembly complex gates, preventing Governor Siminalayi Fubara from re-presenting the 2025 budget as directed by the Supreme Court.
Governor Fubara arrived at the Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning to present the budget but was unable to gain entry due to the locked gates.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHGTNRWPS1Y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
The governor had earlier pledged to comply with the Supreme Court judgment, which included the formal presentation of the 2024 budget. The initial budget presentation had taken place in December 2023 before a four-member faction of the Assembly.
Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that the governor present the 2025 budget. In response, Fubara stated that he was waiting for the Certified True Copy of the court judgment before proceeding.
On Sunday, a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, was sent to Speaker Amaewhule, inviting lawmakers for discussions on the Supreme Court ruling.
The meeting was expected to address issues such as the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to legislators, along with other matters aimed at moving the state forward.
Despite these efforts, the refusal of the Assembly to grant the governor entry into the complex has heightened tensions in the state’s political landscape.