There was a mild drama at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt on Wednesday as security personnel attached to the facility allegedly locked its main gate thereby preventing Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his entourage from gaining entry.
The Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly has been holding its regular sittings in the quarters since October 2023 when the House of Assembly complex, located along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, was gutted by fire.
It was learnt that Fubara was at the legislative building for the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill of the State, in line with the February 28, 2025, verdict of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
It was further gathered that the action of the security personnel was hinged on the position that there was no official communication between the governor and the Assembly.
However, speaking with journalists in front of the quarters, the governor stated that he personally communicated with Amaewhule through a letter, informing the Speaker that he would be at the House of Assembly quarters to present the 2025 budget before the lawmakers.
He stated that all his efforts to reach Amaewhule through phone calls on Wednesday proved abortive.
Fubara said: “I am here myself this morning with few members of the executive council, to comply with the judgement of the Supreme Court. Before my arrival, I had already made several attempts by phone calls to reach the Speaker and other members.
“I also did a letter personally, which was transmitted to the Honourable Speaker about this particular visitation. But, it is unfortunate that at the gate, you can see that the place is completely sealed and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today.
“The reason why we are doing this is in the interest of our people. That 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 very soon.”
