Rivers State is facing another major political showdown as Governor Siminalayi Fubara has rejected the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, to present the 2025 budget.
Fubara also dismissed the lawmakers’ opposition to his directive for outgoing local government chairmen to hand over power to the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs).
Despite mounting pressure, the governor urged his supporters, especially youths, to remain calm. “No matter how we’ve been fooled in this state, it has gotten to a point where the people have to decide to take their destinies into their hands,” he declared while addressing a crowd in Port Harcourt.
Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Fresh Tensions
This latest confrontation comes after the Supreme Court reinstated 27 pro-Wike lawmakers on February 28, 2025. The court also ordered the withholding of Rivers State’s federal allocation and nullified the October 2024 local government elections.
The ruling marked the end of a months-long leadership crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly. However, it also reignited tensions between the governor and legislators loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
At their first sitting since the ruling, the reinstated lawmakers gave Fubara 48 hours to present the 2025 budget, titled Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development. This move challenges the N1.1 trillion budget Fubara signed into law on January 2, 2025, after approval by the now-defunct Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly.
Speaker Amaewhule argued that the budget must be formally presented in line with constitutional provisions. “It is in flagrant disobedience to the judgment of the Supreme Court. Only elected officials are permitted by the constitution to administer local governments,” he stated.
Assembly Pushes for Fresh Local Government Elections
The lawmakers also announced plans to amend the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law to align with the amended Electoral Act.
Amaewhule said, “These amendments will be a prerequisite for conducting fresh local government elections in Rivers State. Once this House is done with the process, RSIEC can commence preparations for new elections.”
The Assembly further announced a 12-week recess starting March 7 but clarified that standing committees would continue to function.
“Our resolutions aim to resolve the current financial crisis caused by the absence of an Appropriation Law for Rivers State. We do not want the people to suffer, so we urge the governor to act fast and do the needful,” the lawmakers stated.
Copies of the resolutions were sent to the governor, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, the state Accountant-General, and the RSIEC chairman.
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Governor Fubara Stands His Ground
Fubara, however, remains defiant. At the inauguration of the Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters, he reassured his supporters that governance in the state would not be derailed.
He said, “I am not scared of anything. The worst that can happen is for me to leave office. But the right thing must be done, and I will lead that course when the time comes.”
The governor dismissed claims that his administration was failing. “When we came on board, this building was a dilapidated structure,” he said about the newly renovated staff quarters. “People said there was no governance in Rivers State, but here we are, commissioning projects that benefit our workers.”
Fubara also warned against political violence, stating, “I have never subscribed to violence, but we will not sit back while enemies of the state try to cause chaos.”
Government Defends Budget Standoff
Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, defended the governor’s actions, insisting that the government had yet to receive the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment.
“We can only act when we receive the CTC,” he said. “But to show good faith, the governor has already directed the outgoing chairmen to hand over to the HLGAs.”
He also criticized the lawmakers’ 48-hour ultimatum. Johnson said, “The language used by the Assembly sounds undemocratic and disrespectful. Governors are not ordered around like military officers. Let’s wait until Friday and see the details of the Supreme Court ruling.”
HLGAs Take Control of Local Governments
In compliance with Fubara’s directive, the sacked local government chairmen have begun handing over to the HLGAs.
Former Port Harcourt City Local Government Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati, confirmed the transition, stating, “Government is a continuum. Though our stay was short, I am proud of what we achieved.”
Political Showdown Triggers Protests
The political crisis has sparked widespread protests across Rivers State. Supporters of both Fubara and Wike took to the streets in rival demonstrations.
Pro-Fubara youths marched through several towns chanting slogans such as “No Sim, no network!” in reference to the governor’s name, Siminalayi. Some supporters rode on motorcycles, singing solidarity songs in Ijaw language.
Meanwhile, pro-Wike demonstrators mocked Fubara, accusing him of repeatedly sacking government officials. In a viral video, they chanted, “Every time you dey sack this, sack that. Now, how far?”
The deepening rift between Fubara and the Assembly has put Rivers State on edge, with many residents anxiously waiting to see how the governor will navigate the political storm.