PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was on Wednesday, March 11, 2025, prevented from accessing the Rivers House of Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt to present the 2025 budget.
The governor and his entourage were met with locked gates at the entrance of the building, which serves as the chamber for the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers Assembly, loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The incident is the latest development in the ongoing political rift between Fubara and Wike, which has polarised the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The conflict has led to the emergence of two factions within the assembly: one led by Amaewhule and aligned with Wike, and another led by Victor Oko-Jumbo and loyal to Fubara.
In December 2024, Fubara presented a N1.1 trillion budget proposal to the Oko-Jumbo-led faction.
However, a Supreme Court judgment on 28 February affirmed a Federal High Court ruling that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers State until the governor presents the budget to the Amaewhule-led faction.
Speaking to journalists at the locked assembly quarters, Fubara expressed disappointment but maintained that his visit was in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive.
“I am here this morning with a few members of the state executive council to comply with the Supreme Court judgment,” the governor said.
“Before my arrival, I had made several attempts by phone calls to reach the speaker (Martin Amaewhule) and other members. I also wrote a letter personally, which was transmitted to the honourable speaker for this particular invitation.”
Fubara described the situation as “unfortunate,” noting that the sealed gates indicated no activity was taking place.
“It is unfortunate that by the gate, you can see that the place is completely sealed, and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today,” he said. “The reason why we are doing this is the interest of our people—which is the most important thing.”
The governor remained optimistic, stating, “There is nothing to worry about. Maybe they are working on their letter. I expect to hear from them maybe after now.”
The Supreme Court’s judgment, which also nullified the local government election held in Rivers State on 5 October 2024, has further complicated the political landscape in the state.
Fubara had previously pledged to comply with the court’s ruling, but the locked gates at the assembly quarters highlight the deepening divide between the two factions.
The political crisis in Rivers State has drawn national attention, with analysts warning that the impasse could hinder governance and development in the oil-rich state.
As the standoff continues, residents are calling for a resolution to ensure the timely passage of the budget and the release of funds critical for state operations.
