Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented a N1.18 trillion 2025 budget to a three-member Assembly amidst a political rift with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The budget prioritizes infrastructure, education, and health. Critics, including the APC, accuse Fubara of bypassing court rulings and excluding a 27-member pro-Wike faction.
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has condemned Governor Siminalayi Fubara for presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a faction of three lawmakers instead of the legitimate Assembly recognized by judicial rulings. During its 88th sitting on Tuesday, the Assembly described the governor’s action as a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol presented a recent Court of Appeal judgment affirming the Amaewhule-led Assembly as the only constitutionally recognized legislative body in Rivers State. He criticized Fubara’s decision to sideline the majority of the Assembly, labeling it an act of impunity and disdain for judicial authority.
Maol highlighted that the Court of Appeal had previously ruled against Governor Fubara in all appeals related to the Assembly’s legitimacy. Despite this, the governor proceeded to present the budget to the faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, ignoring the court’s directives.
Speaker Amaewhule condemned the governor’s actions, accusing him of undermining the constitution and inviting disorder through his disregard for judicial rulings. He emphasized that the Assembly would continue to uphold the law and seek legal redress for the governor’s actions.
The Assembly members unanimously decried Fubara's actions, viewing them as a dangerous precedent and a threat to governance rooted in legality and accountability. The lawmakers called for adherence to constitutional principles to prevent further erosion of democratic institutions in the state.
