By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
RIVERS STATE Governor Siminalayi Fubara has again written to the state House of Assembly, requesting a new date for the presentation of the 2025 appropriation bill.
This follows an earlier failed attempt on March 12, when the governor and his entourage were denied entry into the Assembly premises.
In a letter dated March 13 and addressed to Speaker Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara proposed Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11:00am. or any other convenient date within March for the budget presentation.
The governor expressed disappointment over the obstruction of his initial attempt, stating that his actions were in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling mandating him to present the budget to the Amaewhule-led Assembly faction.
The budget crisis is a reflection of the ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), whose loyalists dominate the Amaewhule-led Assembly faction.
The state legislature remains divided, with another faction, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, aligning with the governor.
The Supreme Court ruling on February 28 upheld a previous Federal High Court judgment that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from disbursing statutory allocations to Rivers State until the governor complies with the constitutional requirement of presenting the budget to the Assembly.
Despite this, Fubara’s initial attempt to present the budget was thwarted when security personnel locked the gates of the Assembly Quarters.
The governor argued that he had given prior notice of his visit and had attempted to deliver a hard copy of the budget through the clerk.
Addressing the situation, Governor Fubara has called on all political actors in Rivers State to put aside their differences and work towards the progress of the state.
While commissioning projects in Okrika Local Government Area on Thursday, he reiterated his appeal for peace and unity in governance.
“It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace,” Fubara stated. “The Supreme Court has made its judgment, and we have no choice but to comply.
“By the special grace of God, we have already started the process. I am open to total peace in our state because, for me to govern effectively, peace is essential.”
The governor emphasized that the interests of Rivers people should take precedence over political conflicts, urging lawmakers to facilitate the smooth presentation and approval of the budget.
The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has raised concerns about governance and development.
With the Supreme Court’s directive in place and the state’s financial allocation at stake, the Amaewhule-led Assembly faces mounting pressure to allow the governor to fulfill his constitutional duty.
