Wike Criticizes Fubara: “You Can’t Show Up at Assembly Complex Uninvited”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticized his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, for arriving uninvited at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters.

Wike stated that Fubara should have sought approval before visiting, especially after the demolition of the Assembly Complex in December 2023.

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike emphasized that the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly should have granted Fubara permission before his visit.

This criticism followed an incident where Fubara was locked out of the assembly quarters when he attempted to re-present the 2025 Budget, as directed by the Assembly.

This development followed the Supreme Court’s February 28 ruling, which affirmed Martins Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Fubara, speaking to reporters at the scene, stated that he had informed Amaewhule about his planned visit beforehand.

The state government had also sent an official letter to notify the House of Assembly about the visit.

However, Wike dismissed Fubara’s actions, saying, “If you write a letter to the Assembly, won’t you wait for a response? He is playing to the gallery. He has carried television people to say he went to the story. You know it’s wrong. Can the president now stand up and go to the National Assembly? Who does that?”

He criticized Fubara for attempting to enter the premises without prior approval, emphasizing that the Assembly now holds its meetings at the quarters following the demolition of the old complex.

“He brought the Assembly Complex down. Assembly now sits in their residence. If you are coming, they have children; they will say the governor is coming today, so they have to prepare themselves.”

Wike further criticized the governor’s approach, describing it as “rubbish” and accusing him of attempting to garner public sympathy through his actions.

“You cannot just go and open the gate and say: ‘I’m coming to present budget. Nonsense. Rubbish. Who is doing that? Playing to the gallery. Nobody will hear that.”