Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State reported being denied access to the state assembly while attempting to present the 2025 budget. He expressed surprise at being barred despite previous notices to assembly members, highlighting ongoing political tensions with pro-Wike lawmakers. Fubara pledged responsible governance and adherence to Supreme Court judgments amidst the political divide in the assembly.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has disclosed that he was denied entry to the state assembly quarters on Wednesday. This incident occurred as he intended to re-present the 2025 budget to the 27 lawmakers, all of whom are aligned with Minister Nyesom Wike. The situation has highlighted the political divide within the assembly, with notable affiliations influencing legislative processes.
In his first public response to the incident, Mr. Fubara expressed his surprise at being barred from the assembly, especially after informing the lawmakers of his scheduled visit. During the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital, he shared his distress over the communication breakdown, emphasizing his efforts to notify the Speaker and the assembly members about the budget presentation. Despite these efforts, he was ultimately denied access, leading to misinterpretations about his communication attempts.
Governor Fubara criticized the narrative that he had failed to communicate adequately, declaring, “I had to bring this up because I am aware of some news going around in the media that there was no communication, and that I was not complying.”
Furthermore, Mr. Fubara underscored his commitment to exercising power judiciously. He stated that he does not intend to exploit his position as governor, emphasizing the importance of responsible governance. He noted, “What is most important is what we do with the power, and I have chosen… I do not intend to abuse my powers.”
The backdrop to this tension involves an ongoing political feud between Mr. Fubara and his predecessor, Mr. Wike, which has caused divisions within the assembly. As a result of these fractures, the assembly members have operated in factions, complicating communication and legislative processes. Following actions by the Supreme Court, which reinstated Speaker Amaewhule and nullified certain local elections, the assembly called upon the governor to adhere to judicial directives, including the budget presentation.
As political tensions persist, Governor Fubara remains committed to complying with the Supreme Court’s rulings. Recently, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government extended an invitation to lawmakers for discussions regarding the assembly’s operational needs, but the invitation was declined. Ahead of the budget presentation, formal communication had been sent to the assembly to affirm his intentions and ensure clarity.
In summary, Governor Siminalayi Fubara faced significant challenges during his attempt to present the 2025 budget to the Rivers State assembly, where his access was denied by pro-Wike lawmakers. He expressed distress over the lack of communication and emphasized his efforts to notify assembly leaders. Furthermore, he affirmed his determination to exercise power responsibly and comply with judicial directives, amidst ongoing political strife with his predecessor, Mr. Wike, and assembly factionalism. The situation remains a critical point of contention in the state’s governance.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
