Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has written to the state House of Assembly again, informing the lawmakers of his intention to re-present the 2025 budget to the House for consideration and approval on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
The governor, in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, recalled his earlier attempt to present the budget on March 12, which was unsuccessful after he was disallowed from entering into the Assembly premises.
Fubara noted that despite prior delivery of a soft copy notice and efforts to submit a hard copy through the clerk, he and his entourage were locked out.
The governor emphasized that his attempt was in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment, which he noted had also mandated the Assembly to carry out its functions within constitutional boundaries.
He also reminded the Speaker that the House had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the presentation of the budget, even before he was served with a certified true copy of the judgment and enrolled orders.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to governance despite the political crisis in the state, appealing to all arms of government to exercise their duties within legal and constitutional frameworks for the good of the people.
He had said, “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 his intention to present the budget on March 19 at 11:00 a.m. or at any other time deemed convenient by the House, expressing the hope that the Assembly would consider his request favourably.
There have been a back and forth between the Fubara and the lawmakers following the Supreme Court judgement ordering the governor to present the 2025 budget to the State Assembly led by Amaewhule.
It took a dramatic turn at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters on Wednesday when Governor Siminalayi Fubara arrived at the venue but the entrance gate locked.
The security personnel at the quarters locked the gates when the governor’s convoy arrived.
The action of the security personnel was hinged on the position that there was no official communication between the governor and the Assembly. However, the governor insisted that he informed the lawmakers that he coming.
