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| Governor Fubara locked out of Rivers Assembly amid budget standoff |
Rivers politics has grown tense. Governor Siminalayi Fubara was barred from entering the House complex. He wanted to show the 2025 budget. Lawmakers did not open the gates for him. This move followed a top court decision on the Assembly’s proper leadership.
Tony Okocha leads a key wing of the state’s All Progressives Congress. He insists the governor must resign. He warns that failure to do so could trigger impeachment steps. Okocha has close ties to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. Some say these ties add to the growing pressure.
The Supreme Court had earlier addressed the 2024 budget. It struck it down and pointed out a conflict over who runs the Assembly. Martins Amaewhule was named the lawful speaker. Edison Ehie had been the speaker before. Yet the court’s ruling sided with Amaewhule’s group.
Governor Fubara tried to bring the 2025 plan. But that plan met a locked gate. Supporters say the governor followed the legal path. Critics say he ignored clear court rules. They argue that the House, led by Amaewhule, should get the budget. Instead, they claim Fubara backed Ehie’s side.
Okocha’s group believes these actions break the law. They think the governor ignored the judge’s words. They claim he overstepped his powers. They plan to gather more proof and push the Assembly to act. They believe the top court gave enough backing for a removal move.
The governor’s team remains quiet about these threats. Some sources say they are studying legal routes. They might seek a fresh hearing or appeal. Others want both sides to settle their differences. They fear a drawn-out clash could hurt the state’s progress.
Many residents are puzzled by these events. They want stable governance and a fair budget. They question why the House gates were locked. They also ask if the Supreme Court’s ruling was followed in full. They hope their leaders can find common ground.
Some analysts think this power struggle is about more than the budget. They see an internal party fight shaping events. They also point to old rivalries between major players in Rivers politics. They warn that the tension may grow if no quick fix is found.
At the heart of the dispute is who leads the House. The court recognized Amaewhule’s group. But Ehie’s side refuses to yield. That split leaves the governor in a tough spot. He risks upsetting one side if he picks the other. Observers wonder if this clash will shape the next election cycle.
The APC faction led by Okocha stands firm. They say the governor broke the law by ignoring a valid ruling. They claim he has no excuse. They want him out if he does not step aside soon. Yet other groups say that is too extreme. They suggest calm talks instead.
Calls for dialogue grow louder. People want to see a real debate on the budget. They worry that vital programs could stall. Schools, roads, and hospitals need funding. A drawn-out fight could harm these plans. Many urge both sides to place public needs first.
Fubara’s supporters insist he followed the law. They say he tried to submit the new budget. They blame House officials for locking him out. They also doubt the claims of wrongdoing. They point out that a new year budget is key for development. They want the House to welcome the governor.
This conflict has caught national attention. Other leaders are watching. They want Rivers to stay calm. They also expect both sides to honour court orders. Some see this as a test of the governor’s standing. Others see it as a sign of deeper party rifts.
Lawmakers have stayed quiet on the impeachment threat. They have not openly backed Okocha’s demand. But insiders say closed-door talks are ongoing. They suggest that the House might soon reveal its next move. People wait to see if the governor will face formal charges.
Legal experts advise caution. They say impeachment is a serious step. It must follow strict steps in the law. They also say the governor should respect any binding rulings. They want all players to uphold due process. They stress that calm is vital for democracy.
Some watchers fear a chain reaction if the standoff drags on. Investors might pull back. Public trust could drop. They urge swift action to settle the quarrel. They also hope the budget can move forward. That way, basic services do not suffer.
A few citizens question the role of the APC. They ask if this is a genuine push or a show of strength. They see Okocha’s link to Wike as part of the story. They wonder if old alliances are at play. These doubts fuel more debates on the street.
For now, Rivers remains on edge. The governor stands firm. The House leadership stands divided. The courts have given a clear directive. But the main players still clash over who is in charge. Each day brings fresh angles and more questions.
We welcome your thoughts on this matter. Do you think Governor Fubara should step aside? Or should he fight back? Should the House try a softer path? Share your views in the comments. Let us keep our words respectful. A balanced approach can help everyone see a clearer picture.
Stay tuned for more updates on this story. Our team will keep watching the Rivers crisis. We aim to bring you clear, unbiased news. Thank you for reading. Stay safe and informed.