Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State was unable to present the 2025 budget on Wednesday after being locked out of the temporary House of Assembly complex along Port Harcourt-Aba Road.
Fubara, who arrived with his entourage, found the entrance gate locked, preventing him from accessing the building. While no official reason was given, sources within the Assembly claimed the governor did not properly notify lawmakers about his visit. However, Fubara insisted that he had formally communicated his intention to Speaker Martins Amaewhule via letter and had made several unsuccessful attempts to reach him by phone since Tuesday.
The lawmakers had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the budget, which had already been approved by a four-member faction loyal to him. However, the Supreme Court recently affirmed the 27 lawmakers aligned with Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, as the legitimate members of the Assembly, escalating the political standoff.
More details to follow…
