Adramatic scene unfolded at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on Wednesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara was reportedly locked out upon arrival.
It was revealed that security personnel at the complex shut the gates as the governor’s convoy approached, citing a lack of official communication between the governor and the Assembly leadership.
However, Governor Fubara maintained that he had formally informed Speaker Martins Amaewhule of his visit through a letter and had also attempted to reach him via phone since Tuesday.
The development comes amid heightened political tension following Fubara’s decision to fully implement the February 28, 2025, Supreme Court ruling.
As part of this, he directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to outline modalities for fresh local government elections, which have now been scheduled for August 9, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, in a letter dated March 7, 2025, had requested a meeting with lawmakers on March 10 to discuss the re-presentation of the 2025 budget and initiate a peace dialogue.
The incident at the Assembly complex adds to the growing political uncertainty in the state as stakeholders await further developments.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu asked leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to ensure that Governor Fubara complies with the Supreme Court ruling on the political crisis in the state.
Tinubu made the remarks on Tuesday evening during a closed-door meeting with PANDEF leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“I got your signal and I got your concerns, particularly concerning Rivers State. I have been on it for quite some time. I foresaw this crisis long before I stepped in. We reached an agreement—a written agreement—which both parties signed,” Tinubu had said.
“It is sad we find ourselves in this situation today. This is a nation with a rule of law. I should not be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if there is no rule of law.”
“I have total confidence in our judiciary. Now, the Supreme Court has spoken—that is it. Please go back home and help him (Governor Fubara) to implement those recommendations within the shortest possible time” he added.
The president also revealed that he had intervened in the crisis both privately and publicly, offering counsel to Fubara on the best way forward.
The crisis in Rivers State has intensified, pitting Governor Fubara against his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The dispute stems from a deepening power struggle between the governor and the state House of Assembly, which remains largely loyal to Wike.
Tensions escalated when the Assembly attempted to impeach Fubara late last year, prompting a series of interventions from the presidency.
Ijaw groups, who see Fubara as their representative, have warned against any move to unseat him, with some even threatening armed resistance.
This has fuelled fears of further instability in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
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