Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has responded after being denied access to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill at the Assembly Quarters.
Parallel Facts earlier reported that Fubara was locked out of the temporary Rivers State House of Assembly complex on Port Harcourt-Aba Road on Wednesday.
The governor arrived with his entourage, only to find the entrance gate locked.
The lawmakers had previously given Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to present the budget, which had earlier been approved by the four-member faction of the assembly loyal to him.
However, the Supreme Court has recognized the 27 lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Governor Fubara had invited the lawmakers to the Government House in Port Harcourt, but they ignored the invitation.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana LGA, the governor emphasized the need for all stakeholders to prioritize the state’s economy and ensure that civil servants do not face unnecessary hardship, in line with the Supreme Court ruling.
He maintained that he had followed due process in addressing the situation and expressed hope that the lawmakers would eventually comply with the court’s decision.
He said: “I made frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe he cannot deny, alongside other members of the Assembly.
“I even sent WhatsApp messages to them, notifying them that I would be coming at 10 am to present the budget. This was to ensure that Rivers State does not face any crisis because of me, as some have alleged.
“But unfortunately, when we got there this morning, we were denied access. And the next thing I heard was that no communication was made. I leave everything to God, who sees all things in secret.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: We Have Not Lost; I’ll Present Budget Again—Fubara Declares
“I am aware of reports in the media claiming there was no communication or effort on my part. So, I am using this platform to clarify the situation.
“Like I have always said, nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest power eventually comes to an end. What matters is how we use power. I have chosen not to abuse mine, no matter what they claim.
“When power is abused, it leads to situations like this. But I will remain restrained because I know that there is life after power.”
This development comes just 24 hours after Bola Tinubu directed Governor Fubara to implement the Supreme Court verdict.
Tinubu issued the directive while hosting Niger Delta stakeholders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Before the meeting, Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, had called for Fubara’s resignation or impeachment.
Follow Parallel Facts on WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
