Less than eight hours after the Chief Judge of Rivers State was placed under investigation for alleged age falsification, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has formally notified the Rivers State House of Assembly of his intention to present the 2025 state budget. This comes after a tense standoff on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, when the Governor was locked out of the Assembly Complex.
The House spokesman, Hon. Enemi George, explained that the Governor’s access was denied due to "his inability to formally communicate with the House." In response, Governor Fubara has now sent a letter titled Notice of Presentation of Rivers State 2025 Budget to Rivers State House of Assembly, addressed to the Speaker, Hon. Martins Amaewhule.
In the letter, Governor Fubara referred to his unsuccessful attempt to present the budget on March 12, where he and his entourage were reportedly locked out of the Assembly despite submitting a soft copy of the notice to the Speaker's office. He expressed surprise at being barred from entry, especially since the House had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the presentation of the 2025 budget.
"You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March, 2025, for the presentation of the 2025 Rivers State Budget in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria," Fubara wrote. He further recounted that the House had requested the presentation even though his administration was yet to receive the certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment that influenced the budget proceedings.
Governor Fubara reiterated that his intention was to comply with both the Supreme Court ruling and the House's request, as part of his commitment to upholding the constitution. He emphasized the importance of all arms of government working within the legal framework to resolve any lingering disputes for the progress of the state.
“The 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,” Fubara stated.
He went on to urge the House to put the interests of the state and its citizens above political disagreements, stressing the need for cooperation to move the state forward.
In the letter, Governor Fubara formally informed the Speaker of his intention to present the 2025 budget on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, or any other convenient date within the month. The Governor’s message aims to restore dialogue and settle the impasse between the executive and legislative arms of government.
