By Esi-ife Arogundade
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was denied entry to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, where lawmakers were holding plenary sessions. Reports indicate that the governor arrived at the Assembly quarters Wednesday morning to present the state’s 2025 budget but found the gate locked, preventing his entry.
Fubara had previously committed to implementing the Supreme Court judgment, which included the formal presentation of the 2024 budget. This budget was initially presented to a four-member faction of the Assembly in December 2023. Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the 2025 budget.
In response, Fubara stated that he was waiting for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment before proceeding. On Sunday, in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Fubara invited lawmakers for discussions regarding the Supreme Court ruling.
These discussions were expected to cover matters such as the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to the legislators, among other issues, to chart a way forward for the state.
