Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep dissatisfaction over the actions of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which denied him entry into the Assembly quarters on Wednesday. Despite this, Fubara has vowed to push forward with his plans to re-present the 2025 Budget, as directed by the Assembly following the Supreme Court’s verdict on February 28, 2025.
Speaking in Khana Local Government Area during the commissioning of health facilities, Fubara reassured residents that he remains committed to resolving the impasse, emphasizing that he had formally notified Speaker Martins Amaewhule of his visit.
> “I still believe they might be instructed later. If they are instructed, I’m still ready to come any day to get this particular issue sorted out,” Fubara declared.
The Rivers State Government also shared a formal letter notifying the House of the governor’s intended visit, reinforcing his claim of due process.
The crisis in Rivers State stems from the landmark judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye of the Supreme Court on February 28, 2025. The apex court dismissed Governor Fubara’s appeal challenging the legitimacy of the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, effectively reinstating its authority. The ruling ordered the Assembly to resume sittings immediately and placed a financial embargo on the Rivers State Government.
Notably, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other financial bodies were instructed not to release funds to Rivers State until the government complies with court directives.
The Supreme Court also nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections, citing irregularities, a decision that forced Fubara to initiate fresh polls. The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) subsequently scheduled the new local government elections for August 9, 2025.
Tensions escalated when the Rivers State House of Assembly issued an arrest warrant against RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), after he failed to honor an invitation from the lawmakers.
In an attempt to de-escalate the political standoff, Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, sent a letter dated March 7, 2025, requesting a meeting with the lawmakers on March 10, 2025 to discuss the re-presentation of the budget and potential reconciliation. However, the Assembly responded by insisting that the governor “channel his invitation properly.”
Despite the dramatic standoff, Fubara remains resolute in his commitment to re-presenting the budget and addressing governance challenges in the oil-rich state. However, whether the Assembly will shift its stance or further tighten its grip remains a question of high-stakes political maneuvering.
PIONEER NEWS 