A fresh political crisis has erupted in Rivers State as Governor Siminalayi Fubara was locked out of the State House of Assembly venue on Wednesday, preventing him from presenting the 2025 budget.
The governor, accompanied by members of the State Executive Council, arrived at the Assembly Residential Quarters in the morning but found the gates firmly shut.
Repeated attempts to contact lawmakers and security operatives were unsuccessful, forcing him to address the situation outside the premises.
“I am here personally this morning with a few members of the State Executive Council to comply with the Supreme Court judgment. Before my arrival, I made several attempts by phone to reach the Speaker and other members. I also sent a letter personally to the Honorable Speaker for this particular invitation,” Governor Fubara stated.
Expressing his disappointment, Fubara described the incident as unfortunate. “As you can see, the place is completely sealed, and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today. The reason we are doing this is in the interest of the Rivers people, which is the most important thing,” he said.
Despite the standoff, the governor remained hopeful, suggesting that lawmakers might still be considering his letter. However, the latest development further intensifies the ongoing political tensions in the state.
Observers say the blockade is indicative of deepening divisions within the Rivers State government, raising concerns about governance and stability in the oil-rich state.