Pro-Wike Lawmakers Lock Out Rivers Governor Fubara At House Of Assembly Complex
In an escalating political drama in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara found himself locked out of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on Wednesday, as security personnel allegedly shut the gates to the complex upon the arrival of his convoy. The action comes amid a deepening political crisis within the state, stemming from longstanding tensions between the governor and members of the state legislature, many of whom are loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.
The situation at the Rivers State House of Assembly unfolded when security personnel at the complex reportedly locked the gates just as the governor’s convoy arrived. According to reports, the security officials cited the lack of official communication between the governor and the leadership of the Assembly as the reason for denying entry. Despite Fubara’s claims that he had informed the Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, of his visit through a formal letter, the incident took place, highlighting the strained relationship between the executive and legislative branches in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara asserted that he had reached out to the Speaker both formally and informally, including through phone calls since Tuesday. However, the security forces, acting under instructions, carried out the lockout. Fubara’s camp sees this as an attempt to undermine his authority and further aggravate the tension between him and the state’s Assembly, which remains under the influence of his political rival, Nyesom Wike.
The dramatic incident at the Assembly complex is the latest chapter in the political conflict that has been brewing in Rivers State for months. The rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, has only deepened since Fubara assumed office as the governor of Rivers State. Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has exerted considerable influence over the state’s political machinery, including the State House of Assembly, leading to a confrontational relationship with the current governor.
The tensions have been further exacerbated by the ongoing political crisis, particularly after Fubara’s decision to fully implement the February 28, 2025, ruling of the Supreme Court. The ruling dealt with the political turmoil in the state, calling for reforms in the local government elections, which had been a point of contention for months. Fubara, in compliance with the ruling, directed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to initiate plans for fresh local government elections, which are now scheduled for August 9, 2025.
This move was seen as a direct challenge to the political establishment that still holds strong ties to Wike, who had been the governor before Fubara. The Supreme Court’s ruling has only served to amplify the power struggle, particularly with Fubara pushing forward with the elections and Wike’s loyalists in the Assembly likely resisting such changes.
In an effort to address the growing political instability in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu intervened in the situation. During a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) on March 11, 2025, Tinubu expressed his concerns over the crisis in Rivers State and reiterated the need for all stakeholders to abide by the rule of law. The President stated that he had been aware of the political tension long before it escalated to its current stage and had taken steps to mediate in the conflict.
“I got your signal and I got your concerns, particularly concerning Rivers State. I have been on it for quite some time. I foresaw this crisis long before I stepped in. We reached an agreement—a written agreement—which both parties signed,” Tinubu explained during the meeting. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the Supreme Court’s ruling, which had pronounced on the legitimacy of the electoral process in the state, and called for calm and cooperation among political actors.
Tinubu also revealed that he had privately and publicly intervened in the matter, offering counsel to Governor Fubara on how to navigate the delicate political terrain. He underscored the need for unity and stability in Rivers State, urging Fubara and his adversaries to work together for the good of the people. “This is a nation with a rule of law. I should not be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if there is no rule of law,” Tinubu added, reaffirming his belief in the judiciary’s decision.
Despite these efforts, it remains unclear whether the president’s interventions will be enough to de-escalate the situation or if they will be seen as an attempt to sway the balance of power in favor of one faction.
The political crisis in Rivers State has largely revolved around the deteriorating relationship between Governor Fubara and his former benefactor, Nyesom Wike. Wike, who is still viewed as a powerful political figure in the state, has made no secret of his desire to maintain influence over the state’s political affairs. His strong ties to the state legislature, many of whose members are loyal to him, have put Fubara in a precarious position.
The recent lockout at the Assembly complex is the latest in a series of events that have highlighted the rivalry between Fubara and Wike. Last year, the state House of Assembly had attempted to impeach Fubara, a move that was widely seen as being orchestrated by Wike’s loyalists. However, the impeachment attempt failed after the intervention of the federal government and the judiciary. In the wake of these events, Fubara’s government has been facing increasing resistance from the Assembly, further escalating the political crisis.
Meanwhile, Ijaw groups, which view Fubara as a representative of their interests, have made it clear that they will not stand idly by if any attempts are made to unseat him. Some of these groups have even gone as far as warning of possible armed resistance if the political crisis continues to spiral out of control.
The growing tension in Rivers State has raised concerns about the potential for violence in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. Stakeholders, both within and outside the state, are anxiously awaiting the next steps in the conflict, with many fearing that any further escalation could destabilize the region and have broader implications for national politics.
The political developments in Rivers State have far-reaching consequences not only for the state but also for the broader political landscape in Nigeria. Governor Fubara’s ability to retain his position amid the mounting resistance from Wike’s loyalists in the state Assembly is critical to the stability of his administration. The outcome of the local government elections, scheduled for August 2025, will also be a key factor in determining the balance of power in the state.
If the elections proceed as planned, they will serve as a major test of Fubara’s influence and his ability to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling in a politically charged environment. On the other hand, if the opposition succeeds in undermining the elections or triggering a fresh crisis, it could further deepen the political divisions in the state.
For now, political watchers and Rivers State residents alike are watching closely to see how the situation will unfold. Will the intervention of the presidency lead to a resolution, or will the political forces aligned with Wike continue to challenge Fubara’s authority? As the clock ticks toward the 2025 elections, the stakes in Rivers State have never been higher.
The lockout of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex is a stark symbol of the deepening political crisis in the state. The growing rift between Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike, combined with resistance from the state Assembly and the looming local government elections, has created an unstable political environment. As the conflict continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether diplomatic interventions from the presidency and other stakeholders will be enough to resolve the crisis or if the situation will spiral further out of control.
The coming months will be crucial in determining not only the political future of Rivers State but also the broader trajectory of governance in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region.
