RIVERS: Speaker Martin Amawehule – led Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday denied the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, access to the official quarters of the state House of Assembly along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, where lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have been holding their sittings.
Fubara arrived at the complex in the company of some key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, but met the gate against him and his entourage, completely preventing their entry.
Rattled by the worsening turn of events since the Executive – Legislative feud began, the governor, before he and his entourage left the premises in annoyance, accused Speaker Martin Amaewhule of deliberately avoiding him, lamenting that several calls placed to the lawmaker were not answered.
The Daily Crucible learnt that the Governor in bids to implement the recent Supreme Court judgment, especially the budget representation, decided to reach out to the lawmakers loyal to former governor and FCT Ministe, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike but witnessed a push back attitude from Amaewhule and his colleagues, who appeared to be telling him to ‘Dey – your – dey,’ a Wike generated expression meaning ‘stay -on -your -own- make- I- stay -on -my -own.'(seemingly, no more meeting point).
The embattled governor explained that his actions were in the interest of the people, stressing that he remained committed to fulfilling his constitutional duties.
He said, “I came here this morning with few of my EXCO members to comply with the Supreme Court judgment. Before my arrival I have made several attempts by phone call to reach the Speaker and other members.
“I also did a letter personally which was transmitted to the Hon. Speaker for this particular invitation. But it is unfortunate that at the gate, the place is completely sealed, and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today.
“The reason why we are doing this, like I have always said is the interest of our people which is the most important thing. Well I don’t think there is anything to worry about, maybe they are working on the letter, and I expect to hear from them may be after this hour.”
