Rivers State Governor Denied Access to Assembly Quarters Ahead of Budget Presentation
In a surprising turn of events, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was reportedly denied access to the Rivers State House of Assembly quarters on Wednesday morning, where lawmakers were currently convened for plenary sessions.
Sources indicate that the governor arrived at the Assembly quarters to present the state’s 2025 budget but encountered a locked gate that prevented his entry.
Governor Fubara had previously pledged to comply with a recent Supreme Court judgment, which included the formal presentation of the 2024 budget. This budget was initially presented to a faction of the Assembly comprised of four members back in December 2023.
Last week, the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to submit the 2025 budget. In response, Fubara stated he was awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the court judgment before proceeding with the presentation.
On Sunday, in a letter signed by Secretary to the State Government Tammy Danagogo and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Governor Fubara invited lawmakers for discussions surrounding the Supreme Court ruling. These discussions were expected to address key issues, including the budget presentation and the payment of outstanding salaries to legislators, in a bid to chart a way forward for the state.