Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed disappointment after being barred from entering the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters on Wednesday.
Speaking shortly after the incident at the commissioning of health facilities in Khana Local Government Area, Fubara revealed that he had notified Speaker Martins Amaewhule about his planned visit.
The governor had intended to re-present the 2025 budget, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, which directed the Assembly to reconsider the budget.
“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,” Fubara stated.
He added, “At times, you need to lose to win. We have not lost; at the end of the day, God will give us His own victory.”
On Wednesday, security personnel blocked Fubara from entering the Assembly complex to present the budget. The situation follows a Supreme Court ruling that delivered key decisions regarding the ongoing political crisis in the state.
In a unanimous decision, a five-man panel led by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye dismissed Fubara’s appeal challenging the legitimacy of the Assembly under Speaker Amaewhule. The court ordered the Speaker and lawmakers to resume sitting immediately.
Additionally, the Supreme Court barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other financial agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with court orders. The court also nullified the local government elections held in the state on October 5, 2024.