RIVERS State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his entourage, could not access the Assembly Quarters of the House of Assembly on Wednesday, March 12, as the gate were locked.
Fubara, wearing a white outfit with a red cap, said he was at the Assembly Quarters to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, in line with the Supreme Court’s judgment, having communicated the Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule.
The governor arrived the complex, located along Aba Road, where the 27 lawmakers loyal to his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, have been holding sessions, following the government demolition of the House of Assembly Building at the peak of the crisis, accompanied by some members of his cabinet, including his Chief of Staff and former member of the Assembly, Edison Ehie, and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, but met the gate locked.
However, a staff of the Assembly claimed that there was no formal communication regarding the visit, saying: “I am not aware that the governor was scheduled to be at the Assembly today (Wednesday).
“If such information existed, the Speaker would have informed us. As of now, we have no knowledge of his visit.”
But Fubara was overheard asking if the gate was locked before explaining that he was at the Assembly quarters to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, in line with the Supreme Court judgment.
He explained that he had made a lot of efforts to reach the Speaker and other lawmakers to no avail, after sending a letter to the Speaker for an invitation to re-present the budget, but has got no reply, noting that he was only acting for the interest of the state.
“I came here this morning with few of my EXCO members to comply with the Supreme Court judgment. Before my arrival, I have made several attempts by phone call to reach the Speaker and other members.
“I also did a letter personally, which was transmitted to the Hon. Speaker for this particular invitation.
“But it is unfortunate that at the gate, the place is completely sealed and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today.
“The reason why we are doing this, like I have always said, is the interest of our people, which is the most important thing.
“Well, I don’t think there is anything to worry about, maybe they are working on the letter, and I expect to hear from them may be after this hour.”
After addressing journalists, the governor and his entourage left the premises.
