Breaking: Rivers lawmakers deny Fubara access to assembly complex during budget presentation

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, faced an unexpected obstacle on Wednesday when he arrived at the State House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget, only to find the entrance locked.

The governor had planned to lay the budget before lawmakers led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, but his attempt was thwarted as he was denied access to the complex.

This development comes amid heightened political tensions following a Supreme Court ruling that ordered the suspension of federal allocations to Rivers State until the budget is properly submitted and approved. The ruling has increased pressure on the state government to expedite the budget process.

Addressing reporters outside the locked Assembly complex, Governor Fubara expressed his frustration, stating that his effort was solely to serve the people of Rivers State.

He further revealed that he had formally communicated with the Speaker, both in writing and over the phone, before deciding to personally present the budget.

The incident adds another layer to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers, raising questions about the fate of the state’s financial planning and governance.