Today, Wednesday, March 12th, 2025, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was denied entry into the premises of the Rivers State House of Assembly Residential Quarters, where the state’s legislative plenary takes place. The governor had arrived to present the 2025 budget to lawmakers, a critical constitutional duty in line with the Supreme Court judgment but was unable to proceed as the assembly gates remained firmly shut.
Governor Fubara, who was accompanied by several members of the State Executive Council, waited for some time outside the locked gates, but there was no response from the security personnel stationed at the post. Despite multiple efforts to draw attention to his arrival, no one came forward to grant him access.
Speaking to reporters on-site, Governor Fubara expressed his disappointment but maintained a calm demeanor. “I am here personally this morning with a few members of the State Executive Council to comply with the Supreme Court judgment," he said, explaining the purpose of his visit. He added that he had made prior attempts to reach the Speaker of the House and other lawmakers, including sending a formal letter requesting the opportunity to present the budget.
“Before my arrival, I had already made several attempts by phone to reach the Speaker and other members," the governor noted. "I also sent a letter personally, which was transmitted to the Honorable Speaker for this specific invitation."
However, despite these efforts, the governor found himself standing outside the locked gates of the assembly, with no indication that the budget presentation would proceed as scheduled. “It's unfortunate that the gate is sealed, and there’s no sign that anything is going to happen today,” Fubara stated.
Nevertheless, the governor remained optimistic. “The reason we are doing this is for the interest of the Rivers people, which is the most important thing. I don’t think there is anything to worry about—perhaps they are still working on my letter. I expect to hear from them soon."
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the Speaker or any member of the Rivers State House of Assembly regarding the incident. The unexpected standoff raises concerns about the relationship between the executive and legislative arms of the state government, particularly as it pertains to the passage of the crucial 2025 budget.
