A political showdown unfolded in Rivers State on Wednesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara was denied access to the official quarters of the state House of Assembly along Aba Road, Port Harcourt.
The premises, where lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have been holding their sittings, were placed on lockdown, preventing the governor from entering.
Fubara, who arrived at the complex in the company of top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, was met with a locked gate, blocking his path. The development further deepened the ongoing political rift between the governor and the faction of the Assembly loyal to Wike.
Speaking to journalists at the scene, a visibly displeased Fubara accused the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, of deliberately evading him.
He revealed that multiple attempts to reach Amaewhule before his visit, including phone calls and a formal letter, were ignored.
“Before my arrival here, I made several attempts to speak to the Speaker. I also sent a letter which was transmitted for this particular invitation.
Unfortunately, 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 governor stated.
Despite the snub, Fubara maintained that his actions were in the best interest of Rivers people and that he remained committed to upholding his constitutional responsibilities.
“The reason why we are doing this, I have always said, is in the interest of our people, which is the most important thing. I don’t think there is anything to worry about. I expect to hear from them after today,” he added.
After addressing the press, the governor and his entourage left the premises. The latest standoff highlights the escalating power struggle in Rivers State, as tensions between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Wike continue to intensify.