Governor Siminalayi Fubara was blocked from entering the temporary legislative quarters of the state’s lawmakers, thwarting his attempt to present the 2025 Rivers State budget as mandated by a recent Supreme Court ruling. The incident has intensified the ongoing rift between Fubara and the lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
According to reports, Fubara arrived at the legislative complex on the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway to fulfill his constitutional obligation but found the main entrance locked. The move was orchestrated by Speaker Martins Amaewhule and 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, who have been embroiled in a months-long feud with Fubara. At the scene, the governor revealed he had made repeated attempts to engage the lawmakers, through a formal letter to Amaewhule and phone calls to him, his deputy, and other members since the previous day, but received no response, highlighting the severity of the situation.
This incident marks a new low in a political battle rooted in a Supreme Court ruling on March 7, 2025. The court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant General of the Federation to freeze Rivers State’s federal allocations until a legally constituted House of Assembly passes an appropriation law. The ruling reaffirmed the legitimacy of Amaewhule and 26 pro-Wike lawmakers, directing them to resume their roles without obstruction, while criticizing Fubara’s administration for attempting to govern without proper legislative oversight. Earlier, on March 2, 2025, the Supreme Court had condemned Fubara’s handling of the Assembly, accusing him of undermining its authority, and on March 5, 2025, Fubara rejected a 48-hour ultimatum from the Assembly to present the 2025 budget, further deepening the dispute over the budget process and the Assembly’s legitimacy.
Public Outrage and Frustration
The blockade of Fubara’s access to the legislative quarters has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many users expressing dismay over the state of governance in Rivers State. Opinions range from frustration at the perceived disrespect toward the governor to broader concerns about Nigeria’s political stability. Some commentators described the situation as “absolutely unacceptable,” arguing that such actions undermine democratic processes. Others criticized the ongoing power struggle as emblematic of Nigeria’s deeper challenges, with sentiments labeling it a “shameful” descent into “Third World” governance. Many urged Fubara to take a stronger stance, drawing comparisons to his predecessor Wike’s assertive leadership, while others blamed the Supreme Court’s rulings for exacerbating the crisis.
Financial and Governance Implications
The political standoff carries significant financial repercussions for Rivers State. The Supreme Court’s freeze on federal allocations has placed immense pressure on the state’s government, potentially disrupting public services and governance operations. Fubara now faces the challenge of navigating this legislative deadlock while relying on internally generated revenue to sustain the state, a strategy previously employed by former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu during a similar financial crisis. The inability to present and pass the 2025 budget risks paralyzing state finances, leaving residents uncertain about funding for critical infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
A State on the Brink
As the crisis deepens, the locked gates of the legislative complex have become a potent symbol of the broader impasse threatening Rivers State’s political and economic stability. The refusal of the pro-Wike lawmakers to engage with Fubara signals a hardening of positions, raising fears of prolonged instability unless a resolution is reached. For now, the standoff leaves the state’s future uncertain, with both sides entrenched in a battle that could further erode public trust and hinder effective governance. The outcome of this confrontation will have a huge influence on Rivers State’s leadership and its ability to meet the needs of its people.
