Governor Siminialayi Fubara was unable to present the 2025 Appropriation Act to the Rivers State House of Assembly as ordered by Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Fubara had arrived at the gate of of the Rivers House of Assembly Quarters with his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo and but met the gate locked.
Security personnel at the complex locked the gates of the complex when Fubara arrived over claims that there was no official communication between the governor and the Assembly on the presentation of the budget.
Speaking at the gate of the Assembly, Fubara, said his intention was to re-present the 2026 Appropriation Bill in line with the Supreme Court’s judgement.
He said he had tried to contact the the Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule and other lawmakers without success before embarking on the journey to the Assembly.
The Governor said he has also sent a letter to the Speaker for an invitation to represent the budget to the Assembly.
But he said he did not get any reply.
The Governor said: “I came here this morning with few of my EXCO members to comply with the Supreme Court judgment. Before my arrival I have made several attempts by phone call to reach the Speaker and other members.
“I also did a letter personally which was transmitted to the Hon. Speaker for this particular invitation. But it is unfortunate that at the gate, the place is completely sealed, and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today.
“The reason why we are doing this, like I have always said is the interest of our people which is the most important thing. Well I don’t think there is anything to worry about, maybe they are working on the letter, and I expect to hear from them may be after this hour”.