Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction over the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to deny him entry to the Assembly quarters on Wednesday.

Addressing residents of Khana Local Government Area during the commissioning of health facilities shortly after the incident, Fubara insisted that he had informed Speaker Martins Amaewhule of his intention to visit the lawmakers before arriving at the quarters to re-present the 2025 budget, as directed by the Assembly following the Supreme Court verdict on 28 February 2025.

“I still believe they might receive further instructions. If that happens, I am ready to return any day to resolve this issue,” the governor stated.

The Rivers State Government also shared a letter notifying the House of the governor’s planned visit.

On Friday, 28 February 2025, the Supreme Court delivered a series of rulings on the protracted political crisis in the oil-rich South-South state. In the judgement, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye, the five-member panel unanimously dismissed Fubara’s cross-appeal challenging the legitimacy of the House of Assembly under Speaker Amaewhule.

The court ordered Amaewhule to resume sittings immediately with other elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Additionally, it barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with existing court orders.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court invalidated the local government election held in the state on 5 October 2024. In response, Fubara pledged to fully implement the court’s decisions and directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to establish procedures for fresh elections. The commission has since scheduled the new local government poll for 9 August 2025.

Following this, the Assembly issued an arrest warrant against the RSIEC Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), for failing to appear before the House. Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, in a letter dated 7 March 2025, invited lawmakers for a meeting on 10 March 2025 to discuss the re-presentation of the 2025 budget and explore pathways to peace. However, the Assembly insisted that the governor must follow proper channels for such engagements.