Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has once again reached out to the State House of Assembly, proposing Wednesday, March 19, 2025, as the date for the re-presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
This move comes amid ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative arms of the state government, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, a known ally of former Governor Nyesom Wike.
In a letter dated March 13, 2025, addressed to Speaker Amaewhule, Governor Fubara expressed his intention to present the budget for consideration and approval. The governor emphasised that the decision to re-present the budget aligns with the Supreme Courtโs judgment and responds to the lawmakers’ request for a fresh presentation.
The letter also referenced the governorโs previous attempt to present the budget on March 12, 2025, which was thwarted when he and his entourage were denied access to the Assembly Complex. Governor Fubara recounted the incident, stating, โDespite prior notification and the delivery of a soft copy of the notice, my team and I were locked out at the gate, preventing the presentation from taking place.โ
Governor Fubara highlighted the importance of adhering to the rule of law and the Supreme Courtโs directive that all arms of government must operate within the confines of the Constitution. He stressed that the re-presentation of the budget is a step toward resolving the ongoing impasse and prioritizing the development of Rivers State and the welfare of its people.
The letter read in part:
โThe Supreme Court has directed that all arms of government should exercise their powers and perform their duties within the ambits of the Constitution and ordinary laws of our country. This we must do to end the lingering stalemate and advance the progress of our state and the well-being of our people.
โNo matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts.โ
Governor Fubara proposed 11:00 a.m. on March 19, 2025, as the preferred time for the budget presentation but expressed flexibility to accommodate any other date within March that the House may find convenient.
The re-presentation of the 2025 budget is seen as a critical step toward resolving the political standoff that has hindered governance in the state. Stakeholders and residents are hopeful that both the executive and legislative arms will prioritize the stateโs interests and work together to ensure the timely passage of the budget.
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