Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was denied access to the official quarters of the state House of Assembly along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday. The facility has been the venue for legislative sittings held by lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Fubara arrived at the complex alongside key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
However, they were met with locked gates barring them from entering the premises.
Addressing journalists at the scene, the governor accused Speaker Martin Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him, stating that several calls placed to the lawmaker went unanswered.
“Before my arrival here, I made several attempts to speak to the Speaker. I also sent a letter, which was duly transmitted for this particular invitation,” Fubara said.
“Unfortunately, the gates are completely sealed, and there is no indication that any meeting will take place today.”Fubara insisted that his actions were in the best interest of the people, reaffirming his commitment to fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities.
“The reason why we are doing this is for the benefit of our people, which remains our priority. I don’t think there is any cause for concern.
I expect to hear from them after today,” he stated.
After addressing the press, the governor and his entourage left the premises.
Wike Criticizes Fubara’s Approach
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised Governor Fubara for writing a letter to the state House of Assembly.
The letter, which sought a meeting with lawmakers regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on the state’s political situation, was dismissed by Wike as “useless.”
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike expressed disapproval of Fubara’s method, arguing that Speaker Amaewhule and his colleagues should be treated with respect.
He maintained that instead of sending a formal letter, the governor should have directly reached out to Amaewhule and his team via phone to arrange a meeting.