Governor Similanayi Fubara of Rivers State was locked out of the temporary Rivers State House of Assembly complex on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, as tensions between his administration and lawmakers escalated.
The governor, who arrived with his entourage, found the entrance gate locked, with no official explanation given. However, Assembly sources claimed Fubara had not formally notified the legislators about his visit or its purpose.
Fubara, on the other hand, insisted he had communicated with Speaker Martins Amaewhule through a letter and had been unable to reach him by phone since Tuesday.
The lawmakers, aligned with former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Fubara to present the state budget.
The budget had earlier been approved by a four-member faction loyal to the governor, but the Supreme Court recently affirmed the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers as the legitimate members of the Assembly.
Attempts by Fubara to hold a meeting with the lawmakers at Government House were ignored, deepening the political standoff.
The development comes just a day after President Bola Tinubu urged Fubara to implement the Supreme Court ruling.
Meanwhile, Rivers APC Chairman Tony Okocha has called for Fubara’s resignation or impeachment, further heightening the crisis.
