Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially notified the state House of Assembly of his intention to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill for consideration and approval. In a letter dated March 11, 2025, Fubara addressed Speaker Martin Amaewhule, requesting to lay out the state’s financial plan on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10 a.m.
However, the letter was directed to the Assembly complex on Moscow Road, which was bombed last year, instead of the legislative quarters on Aba Road, where lawmakers loyal to former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have been holding their sittings.
Fubara Recognizes Supreme Court Judgment
Fubara acknowledged that his request was in line with the recent Supreme Court judgment, which recognized the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike as the legitimate state Assembly. He expressed disappointment that the legislators had ignored his earlier invitation for a consultative meeting at Government House on Monday, March 10, 2025.
“It was in furtherance of this commitment that we initiated the consultative meeting with the Rivers State House of Assembly for March 10, 2025, to consider all the issues raised by the judgment and agree on the way forward in the best interest of our dear state,” Fubara wrote.
The governor described the lawmakers’ failure to attend the meeting as “unfortunate” but stated that he had decided to move forward with the budget presentation now that he had received the Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
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Governor Pushes Ahead Despite Political Tensions
In his letter, Fubara emphasized that he remained committed to implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment and ensuring governance continues smoothly.
“Consequently, we wish to notify Mr. Speaker of our desire and intention to present the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, by 10 a.m.,” he stated.
The governor concluded by thanking the Assembly for considering his request and extended his “highest regards” to the Speaker.
Political Crisis in Rivers State Continues
Fubara’s budget request comes amid the deepening political crisis in Rivers State. The division between the governor and lawmakers loyal to Wike has fueled uncertainty about the legislative process. The lawmakers have refused to recognize Fubara’s authority, while the governor insists on his commitment to fulfilling his constitutional duties.
The choice of venue for the budget presentation adds another layer to the conflict. While Fubara’s letter addressed the bombed Moscow Road complex, the lawmakers continue to hold their sessions at the Aba Road legislative quarters. It remains unclear whether the lawmakers will acknowledge the governor’s invitation or if the standoff will escalate further.