KHANA, Nigeria – Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has broken his silence on being locked out of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, describing the incident as unfortunate but expressing readiness to comply with the Supreme Court’s directives.
The governor addressed residents of the Khana Local Government Area during the commissioning of health facilities shortly after the incident at the Assembly quarters.
Fubara revealed that he had communicated his intention to visit the lawmakers to Speaker Martins Amaewhule before arriving at the quarters to re-present the 2025 budget, as directed by the Assembly following the Supreme Court’s verdict on 28 February 2025.
“I still believe, maybe, they might be instructed later. If they are instructed, I’m still ready to come any day to get this particular issue sorted out,” the governor said.
The Rivers State Government also shared a letter notifying the House of the governor’s visit. However, the gates of the Assembly quarters remained locked, preventing Fubara from gaining access.
The incident follows a landmark Supreme Court judgment delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, which addressed the protracted political crisis in Rivers State.
The five-member panel unanimously dismissed a cross-appeal filed by Fubara challenging the validity of the House of Assembly presided over by Amaewhule.
The court ordered Amaewhule to resume sitting immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
It also barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant-General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with court orders.
Additionally, the apex court declared the local government election conducted in the state on 5 October 2024 as invalid.
Fubara subsequently directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to organise fresh elections, which have been scheduled for 9 August 2025.
However, tensions remain high as the Assembly issued an arrest warrant against RSIEC Chairman Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd) for failing to appear before the House.
In a bid to resolve the impasse, the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, sent a letter dated 7 March 2025, seeking a meeting with lawmakers on 10 March to discuss the re-presentation of the 2025 budget and peace talks.
However, the Assembly asked the governor to channel his invitation through the proper channels.
