Rivers State Government rejects Assembly’s 48-hour ultimatum to re-present the 2025 budget, citing lack of formal communication. The standoff follows a Supreme Court ruling reinstating lawmakers. Legal experts warn of governance delays as tensions rise between the executive and legislative branches.
The Rivers State Government has firmly rejected a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the State House of Assembly to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, escalating tensions between the two arms of government. The ultimatum, issued by the Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, followed a recent Supreme Court ruling that reinstated the lawmakers. However, the state government has dismissed the demand, citing a lack of formal communication regarding the Assembly’s resolutions.
In a letter dated March 5, 2025, addressed to the Speaker, the government stated that it had not received any official correspondence from the Assembly as of the close of work on March 4. The letter, signed by a senior official, emphasized that neither the offices of the governor, deputy governor nor the Accountant-General had been notified of the ultimatum.
The government further clarified that it is awaiting the certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment before taking any action. “We are in contact with our legal team and assure the people of Rivers State that as soon as the judgment is received, His Excellency will act in the best interest of the state,” the letter read.
Legal experts and political analysts have weighed in on the crisis, with some suggesting that the impasse could delay critical governance processes, including budget implementation. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has also questioned the legitimacy of the reinstated Assembly, adding another layer of complexity to the dispute.
