A dramatic scene unfolded at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on Wednesday when Governor Siminalayi Fubara arrived at the premises only to find the entrance gate locked.

Our correspondents observed that security personnel at the complex secured the gates just as the governor’s convoy arrived.

However, Fubara stated that he had formally communicated his intended visit to Speaker Martins Amaewhule via a letter and had also attempted to reach him by phone since Tuesday. The Rivers State Government further confirmed that a letter had been sent to the House notifying them of the governor’s planned visit.

Fubara had previously declared his commitment to fully implementing the Supreme Court ruling of 28 February 2025. He subsequently directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to establish modalities for fresh elections, with the commission setting 9 August 2025 as the date for local government polls.

Additionally, the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, in a letter dated 7 March 2025, requested a meeting with the lawmakers on 10 March 2025 to discuss the re-presentation of the 2025 budget and a peace dialogue. However, the Assembly insisted that the governor must channel his invitation through the appropriate channels.