Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed his disappointment after being denied entry to the state House of Assembly on Wednesday, March 6, 2025, to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill. This incident is the latest in the ongoing political struggles between factions of the state legislature and the executive.
Governor Fubara, accompanied by his entourage, arrived at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex located along the Port Harcourt-Aba Road with the intention of presenting the budget for the upcoming year. However, upon arrival, he found the entrance gate to the Assembly under lock and key. This denied him access to the building and his opportunity to address the lawmakers.
The controversy began when Fubara had been given a 48-hour deadline by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to him. This faction, made up of four members, had earlier approved the 2025 budget. The governor had invited the lawmakers to present the budget at the Assembly, but things quickly took a turn when the recognized members of the Assembly, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, refused to cooperate.
The standoff between these two factions, both loyal to different political figures in the state, has been ongoing for some time. The Supreme Court had recently ruled in favor of a 27-member faction, which is loyal to Nyesom Wike, as the authentic members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This ruling led to the current deadlock between Fubara’s faction and the Wike-loyalist faction, creating a tense political environment.
Governor Fubara responded to the situation at the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana Local Government Area (LGA). Speaking candidly about the events of the morning, the governor said he had followed due process and made every effort to ensure a smooth presentation of the budget.
“I made frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe he cannot deny, alongside other members of the Assembly. I even sent WhatsApp messages to them, notifying them that I would be coming at 10 am to present the budget. This was to ensure that Rivers State does not face any crisis because of me, as some have alleged,” he said.
The governor pointed out that despite his attempts to inform the lawmakers and make necessary arrangements, he was denied access to the Assembly. “But unfortunately, when we got there this morning, we were denied access. And the next thing I heard was that no communication was made. I leave everything to God, who sees all things in secret,” Fubara said.
He also addressed the media reports that had claimed there was no effort on his part to resolve the situation. “Like I have always said, nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest power eventually comes to an end. What matters is how we use power. I have chosen not to abuse mine, no matter what they claim,” he added.
In what appeared to be a clear message to his political opponents, the governor spoke about the consequences of power abuse, stating, “When power is abused, it leads to situations like this. But I will remain restrained because I know that there is life after power.”
The latest developments in Rivers State’s political crisis come just a day after President Bola Tinubu issued a directive to Governor Fubara to comply with the Supreme Court ruling that recognized the Wike-loyalist faction as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This ruling has been a significant source of tension in the state’s politics, especially since Fubara’s faction had been working to move forward with his administration’s plans, including the presentation of the 2025 budget.
Before the meeting with President Tinubu, Tony Okcoha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers, had called for Governor Fubara’s resignation or impeachment. Okcoha’s remarks further fueled the fire in the ongoing political drama, placing more pressure on the governor and intensifying the political divide within the state.
Fubara’s refusal to accept the Supreme Court’s ruling or submit to the legitimacy of the Wike faction has led to a standoff that is not only harming the state’s legislative process but also causing frustration among the citizens of Rivers State. The governor’s insistence on having the budget presented by his faction, despite the court ruling, has created confusion and uncertainty for the state’s governance.
Governor Fubara, in his address at the Bori Zonal Hospital inauguration, stressed the importance of safeguarding the state’s economy. He mentioned the need to ensure that civil servants do not suffer unnecessary hardship due to political instability. Fubara’s message was clear: despite the political challenges, his priority remains the welfare of the people of Rivers State.
“It is important that all stakeholders, in line with the Supreme Court judgment, prioritize the welfare of Rivers State, its economy, and the well-being of its people. We must avoid any actions that could create hardship for our civil servants or harm the state’s progress,” the governor emphasized.
Despite these concerns, it is evident that the ongoing political gridlock is causing significant disruption to governance in Rivers State. Without the formal presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, state-funded projects and operations remain in limbo, potentially affecting the livelihoods of ordinary people.
As the political drama in Rivers State continues, many observers are urging the governor and the lawmakers to resolve their differences and work together for the benefit of the people. The stalemate has already lasted far too long, and the people of Rivers State are beginning to feel the effects.
