Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has written once again to the Rivers State House of Assembly, proposing Wednesday, March 19, 2025, as the new date for the presentation of the 2025 state budget.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara reflected on his earlier unsuccessful attempt to present the budget on March 12, when he was denied entry into the Assembly premises. He explained that, despite submitting a soft copy notice in advance and trying to deliver a hard copy through the clerk, both he and his entourage were locked out of the Assembly complex.
The governor stressed that his attempt was in accordance with a recent Supreme Court ruling, which also mandated the Assembly to carry out its functions within constitutional limits. He reminded the Speaker that the House had already issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the budget presentation, even before he was formally served with a certified true copy of the judgment and enrolled orders.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to good governance, despite the ongoing political crisis in the state, and called on all arms of government to act within the legal and constitutional framework for the benefit of the people. He emphasized, “No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts.”
The letter formally notified the Speaker of the governor’s intention to present the budget on March 19 at 11:00 a.m. or at another time deemed convenient by the House.
This latest development follows a series of back-and-forth exchanges between Governor Fubara and the lawmakers after the Supreme Court’s ruling, which ordered the governor to present the 2025 budget to the State Assembly, led by Amaewhule. Tensions escalated dramatically when, on March 12, the governor arrived at the Rivers State House of Assembly, only to find the gates locked. Security personnel cited a lack of official communication between the governor and the Assembly, though Fubara insisted he had informed the lawmakers of his planned visit.
In a separate appeal on Thursday, Governor Fubara urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to prioritize the interests of the state and its people, and work towards a peaceful resolution of the political impasse. Speaking during the commissioning of projects in Okrika Local Government Area, the governor said, “It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace. We need peace to govern effectively, and I urge all political actors to put past grievances behind and commit to upholding the Supreme Court’s ruling.”
Fubara reiterated his commitment to peace and development, stating, “The Supreme Court has made its judgment, and we have no option but to abide by it. By God’s grace, we have already started the process. We are appealing to all parties: consider the interests of Rivers State. The only thing we owe this state is peace and development. I am open to any opportunity for peace because, for good governance, peace is essential.”
