By Godwin Chukwumaechi, Port Harcourt
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has explained that he made frantic efforts to notify the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhula and members of his visit to the Assembly to present the 2025 budget.
He said the move was in compliance with his avowed commitment to comply with the recent Supreme Court judgment on the political crisis in Rivers State.
He said: “For that reason, I made all frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe, he cannot deny that, and other members of the Assembly.
However a mild drama ensued Wednesday as security personnel attached to the Assembly quarters allegedly locked the main gate and prevented Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his entourage from accessing the facility.
The Assembly quarters has been playing host to the sittings of the Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led legislators 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 facility for the presentation of the 2025 appropriation bill, in line with the February 28, 2025 verdict of the Supreme Court, since the legislators rejected the invitation of the governor to attend a meeting to decide a venue for the sitting of the Assembly.
The action of the security personnel was allegedly hinged on the position that there was no official communication between the governor and the Assembly.
However, speaking with newsmen 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.”
Speaking further at Bori in Khana Local Government Area during the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital the governor emphasised that, in complying with the Supreme Court judgment, it was pertinent for every actor to be more interested in saving the economy of the state and ensure that public sector workers are not subjected to untold hardship.
He said: “For that reason, I made all frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe, he cannot deny that, and other members of the Assembly.
“I went further to send WhatsApp information to him and others, notifying them that I will be coming by 10 O’clock this morning to present the budget so that there won’t be any reason why Rivers State will be in any fix because of me, as being alleged.
“But it was unfortunate when we got there this morning, we were denied access, and the next story I am hearing is that we didn’t make any communication. But I leave it to God who sees in secret places.”
Governor Fubara emphasised that he did everything that needed to be done to ensure that the situation was properly sorted out, but believes that when the lawmakers get instruction, maybe, later, they will comply with the Supreme Court judgment.
The governor said: “I had to bring this up because I am aware of some news going round in the media that there was no communication, and that I was not complying. They even said that I was not making any effort. So, I feel it is an opportunity here where everybody can hear from me and understand the situation that we are facing.
“Like I said, nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest power, one day, it will end. What is most important is what we do with the power, and I have chosen, even if I have the power as they claim, and that I don’t know how to use it, I do not intend to abuse my powers.
“Because power, when you abuse it, is what leads to this kind of situation. I will not abuse it. I will continue to work and operate with so much restraint because I know that there is life after power.”
