Tensions are escalating in Rivers State as the government stands firm against a 48-hour ultimatum to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly.
This defiance threatens to disrupt the delicate peace in the region.
In response to the ultimatum, which expired on Wednesday, the government claims it never received an official letter from the Assembly, sparking a heated standoff between the executive and legislative branches.
At the heart of the issue is a recent Supreme Court judgment, which the House of Assembly cited in its directive to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara to submit the budget within two days.
However, the state government maintains that it was not formally notified of the summons, and therefore, cannot act on it.
In a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the government emphasized that its awareness of the purported summons was only through social media, which is not considered an official communication channel.
Persecondnews reports that Fubara has reassured the people of Rivers State that he is committed to upholding the rule of law and implementing the Supreme Court judgment, despite his personal reservations.
The situation remains volatile, with observers closely watching the developments in the state.
Persecondnews recalls that the House on Monday ordered Gov. Siminalayi Fubara to resubmit the appropriation bill within 48 hours.
This directive follows the Supreme Court’s judgement, requiring the governor to present the bill to the Martins Amaewhule-led House.
The House claimed it informed the governor of its decision through a letter dated March 3, signed by Amaewhule.
The ultimatum expires today, Wednesday.
The government said: “As at the close of work on Tuesday, 4th March, 2025, we are yet to receive the said letter. Neither the office of the governor nor the deputy governor’s office, nor the office of the Accountant-General of the state has received the the said letter.”
The government informed the House that during his state broadcast on March 2, Fubara stated that despite his personal reservations about the Supreme Court judgement, he would abide by its decision and implement it in accordance with the rule of law.
The letter added: “We have since been in contact with our lawyers, who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgement of the Supreme Court and hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as his Excellency receives the judgement, he will strive to implement same in the best interest of our people.”
Persecondnews reported that the power struggle in the Rivers State House of Assembly was resolved on February 28, after the Supreme Court ordered the Amaewhule faction and other elected members to immediately resume legislative duties without obstruction.
The crisis in Rivers State began when Gov. Fubara stopped working with 27 lawmakers, including Amaewhule in December 2023, following their defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He presented the 2024 budget to a faction of the House led by Edison Ehie, on December 13, 2023.
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