The bitter power struggle in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Wednesday when Governor Siminalayi Fubara was “denied access” to the Rivers Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt, sparking fresh controversy over the state’s governance.
Fubara had arrived at the quarters to present the 2025 budget to the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly, as recently mandated by the Supreme Court. However, he found the gates firmly shut, with no lawmakers in sight.
A Governor Locked Out of His Own Government
Standing outside the sealed gate, a visibly frustrated Fubara addressed reporters.
“Before my arrival here, I made several attempts to speak to the speaker. I also sent a letter which was transmitted for this particular invitation. Unfortunately, at the gate, you can see that the place is completely sealed, and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today,” he lamented.
It remains unclear whether the lawmakers were inside the quarters or had deliberately avoided the governor’s visit.
The Battle for Control: Wike’s Grip on the Assembly
At the heart of this unfolding drama is the ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The state’s legislature, once split into two factions, has seen its balance of power shift in Wike’s favor following a Supreme Court ruling that restored Speaker Amaewhule and 26 other pro-Wike lawmakers to their positions—nullifying the local election organized by Fubara’s administration.
Despite his misgivings, Fubara had vowed to comply with the court’s decision, but his attempts to engage the Assembly have been met with resistance.
Wike’s Outburst: “All These Letters Are Useless”
In response to the latest standoff, Wike launched a scathing attack on Fubara, ridiculing his approach to governance.
“You have had a frosty relationship with an arm of government. If you are a good politician, will you go and write a letter? What an insult! Is it how it is done?” Wike fumed during a press briefing in Abuja.
Accusing the governor of political naivety, Wike dismissed Fubara’s attempts at diplomacy as mere theatrics.
“You want to play to the gallery, which is rubbish. All these letters are useless—you are not sincere, you are playing to the gallery,” he scoffed.
Wike argued that a seasoned politician would have called Speaker Amaewhule directly, rather than sending official letters.
What Happens Next?
Despite the setback, Fubara remains determined to present the budget, stating that he is ready to return whenever the lawmakers are “instructed” to let him in.
With Wike tightening his grip on the Assembly and Fubara struggling to assert his authority, Rivers State is now at a dangerous political crossroads.
Will the governor be allowed to govern, or will this relentless power play further destabilize the state? One thing is certain—the battle for Rivers is far from over.
