The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 budget. This directive was given during the Assembly's plenary session held on Monday, amidst heightened security at the Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt.
The Assembly's decision follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that reinstated the Martin Amaewhule-led lawmakers as the legitimate members of the House. The court's verdict also directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold allocations to Rivers State until compliance with previous court orders.
Governor Fubara, who had previously signed the N1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law on January 2nd, presented it to a faction of lawmakers led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. However, the Supreme Court's ruling nullified the legislative actions taken by the Oko-Jumbo-led group, reigniting tensions over budgetary control and governance in the state.
In response to the court's decision, Governor Fubara announced plans for new local government elections and directed all Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take over the councils pending fresh elections. The governor assured the public that his administration would comply with the Supreme Court's judgment and implement its directives without reservation.
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional governance and the rule of law. The Assembly's directive to Governor Fubara aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the state's financial management.