The political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Friday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s plan to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly hit a roadblock.
This comes amid an escalating power tussle between the governor and the state legislature.
Governor’s Budget Presentation Plan in Jeopardy
Governor Fubara had written to the House of Assembly on Thursday, informing lawmakers of his intention to re-present the 2025 budget for their consideration and approval.
In a letter dated March 13 and addressed to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, the governor proposed to present the budget on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, or any other date deemed convenient by the House.
The governor’s decision followed a Supreme Court ruling and a request by the Assembly for a re-presentation of the budget.
His letter to the Speaker stated, “It is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 19th March, 2025, by 11 am, or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient.”
Assembly Adjourns Indefinitely, Stalling the Budget Process
However, in a move seen as a direct challenge to the governor’s authority, the Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday adjourned its sitting indefinitely (sine die).
The decision was made during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Amaewhule, following the passage of three bills, which the lawmakers said would be forwarded to the governor for assent.
A statement issued by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, noted, “In furtherance of one of its tripod functions, the Rivers State House of Assembly, on Friday, at its 136th legislative sitting, passed three bills, which will be forwarded to His Excellency, the governor, for assent.”
Speaker Amaewhule explained that the Assembly was ensuring the domestication of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act of 2017, which grants certain powers and privileges to the legislature.
However, the indefinite adjournment effectively blocks the governor’s ability to re-present the budget, deepening the political impasse between the executive and legislative arms of government.
Tension Mounts in Abalama Community Over Wike’s Visit
In a separate development, political tensions in Rivers State escalated further as rival political factions prepared for a showdown in Abalama community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area.
Supporters of Governor Fubara and those loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are set to converge at the same venue for different events, raising fears of a violent clash.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, scheduled its congress at Abalama Community Secondary School field.
Simultaneously, a group known as the New Associates, comprising Ijaw stakeholders, also chose the same venue for a grand reception in honor of Wike on Saturday.
The situation is particularly volatile following recent remarks allegedly made by the FCT minister, in which he reportedly downplayed the Ijaw’s significance in the Niger Delta region.
The comments have sparked outrage among Ijaw groups, fueling concerns that tensions may boil over during the events.
Mobilization for a Show of Strength
The New Associates have vowed to mobilize massive support for Wike, with plans to shut down Asari-Toru LGA in his honor. The Chairman of the group’s Publicity Committee, Dr. Enemi George, in a statement in Port Harcourt, called on chiefs, leaders, women, and youths to turn out en masse for the event.
“He (Wike) has done much for the kingdom, and he deserves to be celebrated. We are calling on our chiefs, leaders, women, youths, and stakeholders of the Kalabari Kingdom to make that day special,” George stated.
Conversely, the IYC has insisted on holding its congress as planned, dismissing any attempts to displace them from the venue. “Nothing will stop us from holding our congress at Abalama,” an IYC representative asserted.
Residents Fear Possible Violence
As both factions prepare for their respective events, anxiety has gripped Abalama and its surrounding areas. Residents fear that a clash could erupt between Ijaw youths and security personnel in Wike’s entourage.
Some community members have reportedly begun making plans to evacuate the area in anticipation of possible violence.
Implications for Rivers State’s Political Landscape
The unfolding crisis between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, coupled with the growing tension between his supporters and Wike’s loyalists, underscores the deepening political divide in the state.
With the House’s indefinite adjournment blocking the governor’s budget re-presentation and the looming potential for conflict in Asari-Toru LGA, the state’s political stability remains precarious.
As the situation develops, stakeholders and security agencies will need to intervene to prevent the crisis from escalating into violence.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Rivers State can navigate this political turmoil or descend further into crisis.
