Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his readiness to re-present the 2025 budget to the state House of Assembly, emphasizing his commitment to resolving the legislative impasse.
Speaking during the commissioning of health facilities in Khana Local Government Area on Monday, Fubara addressed the ongoing political standoff that has gripped the state, particularly his inability to access the legislative quarters for the budget presentation.
Legislative Roadblock
Earlier in the day, the governor was denied entry into the Assembly complex on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, where lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike have been holding their sittings. Accompanied by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, Fubara arrived at the quarters only to find the gates locked, effectively barring his entry.
Addressing the situation, Fubara expressed displeasure, stating that he had previously informed Speaker Martins Amaewhule of his intended visit. However, attempts to contact the speaker were ignored, further fueling suspicions of deliberate political resistance.
“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, underscoring his willingness to engage with the legislature despite the ongoing tensions.
Political Power Struggle
The crisis in Rivers State stems from an escalating rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. The political tug-of-war has seen the state Assembly split into factions, with one group loyal to Wike and the other backing Fubara. This division has led to a legislative paralysis, complicating governance in the oil-rich state.
The latest impasse follows a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, which directed Fubara to re-present the budget in adherence to constitutional provisions. However, resistance from lawmakers aligned with Wike has stalled this process, raising concerns over the state’s fiscal operations.
Reactions and Implications
Political analysts and civil society groups have condemned the situation, warning that continued legislative disruptions could have severe economic and developmental consequences for the state.
Former Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) spokesman, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, described the blockade as “provocative and insulting,” urging all parties to prioritize governance over political interests.
Similarly, President Bola Tinubu recently met with Niger Delta leaders to mediate in the crisis, while Governor Fubara has signaled plans to engage with pro-Wike lawmakers to find a resolution.
In a sharp rebuke, Wike dismissed Fubara’s visit to the Assembly quarters as inappropriate, arguing that governors cannot unilaterally decide when to appear before the legislature. “You can’t show up at the Assembly complex uninvited,” Wike asserted, accusing his successor of political grandstanding.
With the political climate in Rivers State growing increasingly volatile, stakeholders have called for urgent mediation to prevent a full-blown constitutional crisis.
Some have suggested that the intervention of the National Assembly or an independent judicial panel could help bridge the divide.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends, urging citizens to remain patient as efforts continue to resolve the legislative deadlock.
As the standoff persists, all eyes remain on Rivers State, where the resolution—or escalation—of this crisis will have far-reaching implications for governance, stability, and political realignments in the region.
