Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has on Wednesday been denied access to the State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt.
The Governor, alongside top officials, visited the complex where the lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, had been holding their sittings. Upon their arrival, they met a locked gate, effectively preventing entry.
Fubara, while addressing journalists at the entrance, accused Speaker Amaewhule of deliberately ignoring his attempts to meet with the lawmakers. The Governor added that prior to this visit, he had sent a letter to the House of Assembly to schedule the meeting.
Furthermore, Fubara explained that his actions have been in the interest of the people, pledging his commitment to fulfilling his constitutional duties.
However, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has criticised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara for his letter to the state House of Assembly.
Fubara in the letter, sought a meeting with the lawmakers about the Court judgment on the recent political issues in the state.
Recall that the House of Assembly on 3 March, gave the governor a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2024 Appropriation bill. This followed the Supreme Court’s orders that Amaewhule resume sitting immediately as Speaker.
However, following the expiration of the ultimatum, the state government claimed it did not receive any letter from the lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Wike while speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, expressed his dissatisfaction with Fubara’s approach. He dismissed the letter as “useless”, arguing that Fubara should have arranged a meeting with Amaewhule and other lawmakers over the phone.
The FCT minister further stressed that the Speaker and other lawmakers are not under the governor’s control and should be treated with respect.
