In a shocking move, the Rivers State House of Assembly has adjourned its sittings indefinitely, just hours after Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced plans to present the 2025 state budget on March 19, 2025.
This sudden decision has cast uncertainty over the budget presentation and fueled speculation about deepening political rifts within the state’s leadership.
Persecondnews reports that the Assembly’s move is seen as a strategic ploy to frustrate Governor Fubara’s administration by delaying legislative approval of the budget, amidst an ongoing power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The decision was reached during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Persecondnews recalls that the governor, in a letter dated March 13 and addressed to Mr. Amaewhule, said he intended to present the budget on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, or any other day within March that the House may deem fit.
Fubara said his decision aligns with the Supreme Court judgment and also addresses the lawmakers’ request for him to re-present the budget.
The governor reminisced about his unpleasant experience visiting the Assembly Quarters with his entourage, where the lawmakers are using temporarily for their sittings, only to be barred from entering the complex.
The letter reads: “You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March, 2025 for the presentation of the 2025 Rivers State budget in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“As you know, the planned presentation of the said budget could not take place because my entourage and I were locked out at the gate and denied entry into the premises despite the prior delivery of a soft copy of the notice to you following the failure of the Clerk to accept the hard copy from us.
“Recall further that before this unfortunate incident, the House issued a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2025 budget even when we were yet to be served with the certified
true copy of the judgement and accompanying enrolled orders.”
The statement added: “We were simply complying with both the order of the Supreme Court and the request of the Rivers State House of Assembly when we came to present the 2025 budget on the 12th of March, 2025.
“The Supreme Court has directed that all arms of government should exercise their powers and perform their duties within the ambits of the Constitution and ordinary laws of our country, and this we must do to end the lingering stalemate and advance the progress of our state and the well-being of our people.
“No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the State and our people should take priority over political conflicts.
“Against this background, it is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr. Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 19th March, 2025 by 11.00 a.m. or any other date within March 2025 that you may
consider convenient.”
Details later…
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