Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has once again written to the Rivers State House of Assembly, proposing Wednesday, March 19, 2025, as the new date for the presentation of the 2025 state budget.
This comes after his unsuccessful attempt on March 12, when he was denied entry into the Assembly premises.
Renewed Effort to Present Budget
In a formal letter addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara recalled his previous attempt to present the budget, highlighting how he and his entourage were locked out despite prior delivery of a soft copy of the budget notice and an effort to submit a hard copy through the Clerk of the House.
The governor asserted that his actions were in compliance with a recent Supreme Court judgment, which mandated the Assembly to carry out its duties within constitutional boundaries.
Governor Fubara reminded the Speaker that the House had issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the budget’s presentation even before he was served with a certified true copy of the judgment and enrolled orders.
Reaffirming his commitment to governance despite the ongoing political crisis, Fubara urged all arms of government to fulfill their responsibilities within legal and constitutional frameworks for the good of the people.
“No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts,” Fubara stated in his letter.
He formally notified the Speaker of his intention to present the budget on March 19 at 11:00 a.m. or at a time deemed convenient by the House, expressing hope that his request would be considered favorably.
Tensions Between Fubara and the Lawmakers
The strained relationship between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly has continued to unfold following the Supreme Court’s judgment, which instructed the governor to present the 2025 budget to the Assembly led by Speaker Amaewhule.
The tensions came to a head on March 12 when the governor attempted to enter the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters but found the entrance locked.
Security personnel at the quarters prevented the governor’s convoy from accessing the premises, claiming there had been no official communication between the governor and the Assembly regarding his visit.
However, Governor Fubara insisted that he had duly informed the lawmakers of his arrival and that his presence was in line with the Supreme Court ruling.
Call for Peace and Resolution
Amid the ongoing political impasse, Governor Fubara has continued to call for peace and cooperation among political actors in the state.
Speaking during the commissioning of projects in Okrika Local Government Area, he appealed to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to consider the interest of the people and work towards peace.
“It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace,” Fubara said. “The Supreme Court has made its judgment, and we don’t have any option but to abide by it. By the special grace of God, we have started the process.”
He urged all political stakeholders in Rivers State to put their differences aside and commit to fully implementing the Supreme Court’s directives issued on February 28, 2025.
“We are appealing to other parties: consider the interest of Rivers State. The only thing that we owe this state is peace and development,” the governor stated. “I am open any day, any time for total peace in our state because if I have to govern well, there is the need for peace.”
Implications of the Ongoing Crisis
The ongoing tensions between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly have raised concerns over governance and development in the state.
Political analysts warn that the standoff could have significant consequences on budget implementation and service delivery in Rivers State.
Observers note that if the Assembly refuses to grant the governor an opportunity to present the budget, there could be delays in funding critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
With Fubara reiterating his commitment to peaceful governance, stakeholders hope that both parties will find a way to resolve their differences to ensure smooth governance in Rivers State.
For now, all eyes are on the March 19 date as the state awaits the Assembly’s response to Governor Fubara’s renewed request.
