The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of obstructing the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s judgment and manipulating public sentiment.

Speaking on Sunday, Enemi George, spokesperson for the Assembly and chairman of the House Committee on Information, refuted claims that the legislature received an official letter notifying them of a new date for the 2025 budget presentation.

On February 28, the Supreme Court upheld a Federal High Court ruling barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from releasing Rivers State’s statutory monthly allocations. The court also ordered the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly—loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike—to resume legislative duties.

On March 12, Fubara was reportedly prevented from entering the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt for the budget presentation as the gates were locked. This came a day after he had allegedly written to the Assembly requesting a new date for the presentation.

George, however, dismissed the claim, saying no such letter was received.

“The governor stopped at the Assembly gate and told the press he had sent a letter, but we never received it,” he said.
He also rejected reports that the letter was sent via WhatsApp to some lawmakers, calling it “unprofessional and embarrassing.”

“If there was such a letter, let the governor provide an acknowledgment copy or any proof that we received it,” George challenged.

He accused Fubara of attempting to stir public emotions against the Assembly, saying, “If the letter existed, it was meant for the public, not the legislature.”

George emphasized that following the Supreme Court ruling, Fubara must present the budget to the legislature for approval. He also accused the governor of refusing to submit a list of commissioners for screening, despite a court ruling invalidating most of the state’s commissioners.

“We wrote to him to prevent a governance vacuum, but our letter was rejected at the Government House,” he added.

Instead of complying, George alleged, Fubara instructed his aides to take legal action against the Assembly.

The ongoing power struggle between Fubara and the Wike-backed Amaewhule-led faction has thrown the state into political turmoil, with Rivers State’s funds still withheld and governance at a standstill.