Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally written to the Rivers State House of Assembly again, proposing Wednesday, March 19, 2025, as the new date for presenting the 2025 state budget. This comes after his earlier attempt to present the budget on March 12 was thwarted when he was denied entry to the Assembly premises.
In his correspondence addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara writes Rivers Assembly recalling the challenges he faced during his previous attempt. He noted that despite delivering a soft copy notice and trying to submit a hard copy through the clerk, his team was locked out of the Assembly, which he stated was a setback for the state’s governance process.
The governor emphasized that his request for a new presentation date aligns with a recent Supreme Court judgment. He pointed out that the ruling mandated the Assembly to carry out its constitutional duties without hindrance. Moreover, Fubara reminded the Speaker that the House had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the budget presentation before he was formally served with a certified true copy of the judgment and enrolled orders.
Despite the political tensions surrounding the budget presentation, Governor Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to governance and urged all arms of government to act within legal parameters for the benefit of the people of Rivers State. “No matter the depth of our differences, the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts,” he stated.
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Fubara’s letter formally indicates his plan to present the budget at 11:00 a.m. on March 19, or at another convenient time for the Assembly. He expressed hope that the lawmakers would consider his request positively.
The situation surrounding the budget presentation has been tumultuous following the Supreme Court’s ruling. Tensions escalated when the governor arrived at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters on March 12, only to find the entrance gate locked. Security personnel had reportedly blocked access, claiming there was no official communication from the governor. However, Fubara maintained that he had properly informed the Assembly of his visit.
Fubara Appeals for Unity Among Lawmakers
In the wake of these political tensions, Governor Fubara has also urged the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to prioritize the welfare of the state’s citizens and work towards peace. Addressing the need for harmony, he stated, “It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace,” during a project commissioning event in the Okrika Local Government Area.
He further expressed his desire for cooperation among political actors, calling on them to move past previous grievances and commit to implementing the decisions made by the Supreme Court on February 28, 2025. “The Supreme Court has made its judgment, and we must abide by it,” Fubara said. “We owe the state nothing but peace and development.”
Governor Fubara concluded by reiterating his openness to dialogue, asserting that effective governance depends on the establishment of peace in Rivers State. As Fubara writes Rivers Assembly to propose a new budget presentation date, he emphasizes that collaboration is essential for the progress of the state.
