The political tension in Rivers State has escalated as Governor Siminalayi Fubara has rejected the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget.
This development signals a fresh round of confrontation between the state’s executive and legislative arms, rekindling the deep-seated power struggle between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, reinstated 27 lawmakers who had previously defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that had led to their removal.
The ruling also nullified the October 2024 local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission and ordered the seizure of the state’s allocation, exacerbating political uncertainties in the state.
Following their reinstatement, the pro-Wike lawmakers convened their first session and promptly issued a directive to Fubara, demanding that he present the 2025 budget within 48 hours.
The lawmakers argue that Fubara’s previously signed N1.1 trillion budget, passed by the now-defunct Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly, lacks constitutional legitimacy.
Fubara’s Defiance and Call for Support
In response to the ultimatum, Governor Fubara dismissed the Assembly’s demand and reaffirmed his stance against what he perceives as undue legislative interference.
Additionally, he defended his directive for outgoing local government chairmen to hand over to the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs), despite opposition from the pro-Wike legislators, who cite the Supreme Court ruling against non-elected officials running local councils.
Addressing his supporters at the inauguration of the Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters, Fubara called for calm and urged the youth to remain steadfast, emphasizing that the time had come for Rivers people to take control of their destiny. He also reassured his supporters that he remains committed to upholding governance principles, despite mounting political pressures.
“No matter how we’ve been fooled in this state, it has gotten to a point when the people have to decide to take their destinies into their hands. Since I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to make a decision, I will lead the course for that decision,” Fubara stated.
Assembly’s Position and Legislative Moves
During their plenary session, the Assembly, sitting at the official legislative quarters along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, reinforced their demand for budget presentation, citing legal requirements.
Speaker Amaewhule criticized Fubara’s directive on local government administration, stressing that the Supreme Court’s previous ruling had invalidated HLGAs’ authority to govern local councils.
Amaewhule further outlined plans to amend the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law to align it with the amended Electoral Act, paving the way for fresh local government elections.
Additionally, the lawmakers announced a 12-week recess beginning on March 7, 2025, during which standing committees would continue statutory functions.
“We do not want the Rivers State people to suffer. We, therefore, urge you to act fast and do the needful in the best interest of the good people of Rivers State,” the Assembly’s resolution to Fubara read.
Government’s Stand and Future Implications
Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, defended the government’s position, stating that they are still awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment before making official pronouncements.
“But to show good faith, the governor has even gone ahead to direct the LG chairmen to hand over to the Heads of Local Government Administration in their councils. And they (outgoing chairmen) are handing over already,” Johnson added.
The ongoing crisis reflects the broader battle for political dominance in Rivers State between Fubara and his predecessor, Wike. Observers suggest that the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Fubara can maintain his grip on power or whether the legislature will succeed in asserting control over the state’s governance.
As tensions continue to mount, stakeholders across the political spectrum are watching closely, with many urging dialogue and legal resolutions to prevent governance paralysis in the state.
