Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has defended his decision to present the 2025 state budget to only three lawmakers amidst growing backlash from critics, including members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Fubara justified his actions by asserting that the 27 legislators who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC had permanently forfeited their seats, with no legal grounds to return to the State House of Assembly.
Speaking after signing the ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Fubara addressed ongoing political tensions in the state, particularly his dispute with his predecessor and political adversary, Nyesom Wike. He expressed frustration over the insults he claimed to have endured from Wike’s allies, stating that no other governor in Nigeria would tolerate such treatment.
“We have only one Assembly, and it is headed by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo,” Fubara declared. “Some individuals embarked on a reckless political journey nine months ago, and now they want to return. It’s too late. We have moved on, and our focus remains the interest and integrity of Rivers State.”
Fubara dismissed accusations of running a factional legislature, emphasizing the legitimacy of the three-member Assembly led by Oko-Jumbo. He credited the legislature for diligently approving the budget and praised the state’s executive council for their contributions.
“We are committed to making 2025 a year of higher performance,” Fubara said. “Our promises in education, health, and agriculture will be fulfilled, just as we have delivered in roads and other sectors. Rivers people can trust us to defend and promote their interests.”
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Criticism from the Opposition
However, the Rivers APC, led by Chief Tony Okocha, has condemned Fubara’s decision to bypass the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike. Describing the action as illegal, Okocha cited a January 2024 court ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which directed the governor to present budgets to the larger Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.
“It is unimaginable that a governor with such a rich background in finance would sidestep legal processes,” Okocha said during a press briefing in Port Harcourt. “The Assembly has 30 functional members. Presenting the budget to three lawmakers in a setting courts have deemed illegitimate is a blatant disregard for judicial pronouncements.”
Okocha accused Fubara of promoting division instead of fostering unity. “I expected the governor to use the new year to extend an olive branch, but instead, he fuels the flames of division. His leadership style is confrontational and counterproductive,” he added.
The APC chairman clarified that the 27 lawmakers remain members of the PDP despite their defection to the APC. “My focus is on progress. I won’t join the governor’s self-destructive journey,” Okocha said.
Defending the State’s Interests
Fubara maintained that his primary responsibility is to Rivers State’s development and governance. He outlined the administration’s priorities for the new year, including strategic planning and partnership with the legislature to ensure the delivery of democracy dividends to all parts of the state.
Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo also commended Fubara for his focus on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security. “2025 promises to be a year of strategic planning. We are confident you will deliver the dividends of democracy to every corner of Rivers State,” Oko-Jumbo said.
Despite the political turmoil, Fubara pledged to maintain focus on his administration’s goals. “We are committed to starting strong and making a significant impact in all sectors,” he said.