Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has firmly reaffirmed that there is only one legitimate House of Assembly in the state, led by Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo. The Governor made this statement after giving his assent to the Rivers State Appropriation Law No. 1 of 2025 at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday 2nd January 2025, putting to rest ongoing rumors about a division in the Legislature.
Governor Fubara addressed these speculations head-on, asserting that the legislature is united under the leadership of Rt Hon Oko-Jumbo. He emphasized, “I want to set the record straight for those still confused. There is only one Rivers State House of Assembly, and that Assembly is headed by Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo.”
The Governor further dismissed claims about a split, describing those who abandoned their duties in the Assembly as individuals on a misguided journey. He quipped, "They embarked on a Sinbad-like adventure, but halfway through, they decided to turn back. It's too late; we have moved on."
The Governor expressed his determination to move forward with the business of governance, stating that the focus of his administration remains on advancing the interests of Rivers State and ensuring good governance. With the 2025 budget now signed into law, Governor Fubara assured the people of Rivers that all key initiatives would be fully implemented to enhance the living standards of the state's residents.
"We are committed to ensuring that 2025 surpasses the achievements of 2024," he said, thanking the Rivers State House of Assembly for their diligence and hard work in passing the budget. He also extended his gratitude to his Executive Council members, particularly the Deputy Governor, and lauded the contributions of the Finance and Budget Commissioners, as well as the Acting Chairman of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Board for their efforts in 2024.
Looking ahead, Governor Fubara stressed that his administration will continue prioritizing sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture, alongside infrastructural development. "We made a promise to the people of Rivers State, and we will deliver on it. We will continue to protect and promote the interests of our people," he affirmed.
In his remarks, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, praised the Governor for his transformative leadership, citing the substantial progress made in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security. Oko-Jumbo pointed to the Governor's impactful policies, including the provision of N100,000 Christmas bonuses for civil servants and pensioners and the approval of N85,000 as the minimum wage, which he said had greatly improved the welfare of state workers.
"Governor Fubara is the beacon of hope for the common man," Oko-Jumbo said, highlighting the positive response from the people of Rivers State to the Governor’s leadership.
The Speaker also expressed confidence that 2025 would be a year of strategic planning and continued partnership between the executive and legislative arms. "We look forward to exponential growth in Rivers State," he added.
During the ceremony, Hon Sokari Goodboy Sokari, Leader of the House, presented the 2025 budget for assent, revealing that the projected estimate for the year stands at a robust N1,188,962,739,932.36, a significant increase from the previous year's budget. This, he said, signifies progress and a commitment to improving the state’s infrastructure and social welfare systems.
Hon Sokari also highlighted key allocations within the budget for recurrent and capital expenditures, focusing on the welfare of workers, retirees, and the funding of development projects across the state. The budget, he assured, would be used judiciously to continue the trajectory of growth under Governor Fubara’s leadership.
