The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State cannot show up uninvited at the State House of Assembly Quarters, especially after the governor demolished the complex in December 2023. Wike made these remarks during a media chat on Wednesday in Abuja, emphasizing that Fubara should have sought approval from the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly before visiting.
DAILY MENTOR recalls that Governor Fubara was denied access to the quarters on Wednesday when he arrived to re-present the 2025 budget, as directed by the Assembly. This follows the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on February 28, 2025, which affirmed Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the House. Amaewhule and over 20 lawmakers are known to be loyal to Wike.
Governor Fubara, who addressed journalists at the quarters, stated that he had informed Amaewhule of his planned visit. The Rivers State Government also shared a letter notifying the Assembly of the governor’s intention to visit. However, Wike criticized the move, accusing Fubara of creating unnecessary drama.
“If you write a letter to the Assembly, won’t you wait for a response? He is playing to the gallery. He brought television crews to create a spectacle. You know it’s wrong. Can the president simply decide to go to the National Assembly without notice? Who does that?” Wike said.
He further added, “He demolished the Assembly Complex. Now, the Assembly meets in their residential quarters. If you are coming, they have families; they need to prepare. You can’t just show up, open the gate, and say, ‘I’m here to present the budget.’ Nonsense. Rubbish. Who does that? This is just playing to the gallery. Nobody will accept that.”
The incident highlights the ongoing political tension between Wike and Fubara, with the Assembly quarters becoming a focal point of their rivalry. Further developments are expected as the situation unfolds.
