Rivers Assembly Orders Governor Fubara to Present 2025 Budget Within 48 Hours
The Rivers State House of Assembly has given Governor Siminalayi Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2025 budget to the legislature, marking a critical development in the state’s political and financial affairs. The motion, passed during a plenary session in Port Harcourt on March 3, 2025, follows a Supreme Court order that halted statutory federal allocations to Rivers State until the state presents an Appropriation Bill, as mandated by the 1999 Constitution.
Legal and Constitutional Pressures
Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol moved the motion, urging the governor to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill in line with the constitutional requirements. The motion was backed by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who issued the 48-hour directive. The lawmakers referenced the Supreme Court ruling in Suit No.: SC/CV/1174/2024, which mandates the state government to cease spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund until the passage of the state’s Appropriation Bill.
The Supreme Court decision has also cast a shadow over Governor Fubara’s recent directive to the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs), which the Assembly decried as illegal. The lawmakers pointed to a key constitutional provision and the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Law, 2023, which prohibits the administration of local governments by HLGAs or any non-democratically elected officials.
A Tense Political Landscape
This latest move by the Rivers Assembly follows a tumultuous period for the state legislature. The Supreme Court ruling, delivered just last week, resolved a leadership dispute within the Assembly, with two factions of lawmakers claiming legitimacy. Following the court’s decision, the Speaker and his colleagues resumed sitting as the lawful representatives of Rivers State.
The ongoing political tensions are compounded by the unresolved issue of the local government elections held in 2024. The Supreme Court nullified the elections, calling for fresh polls in light of procedural irregularities. In response, Governor Fubara directed that Heads of Local Government Administration assume control of the 23 local government councils until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
A Fresh Twist in Rivers’ Political Drama
Despite signing a ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law on January 2, 2025, Fubara’s administration has faced multiple challenges regarding the passage and presentation of the budget. The budget, which was initially approved by the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly, now faces fresh scrutiny after the Supreme Court ruling. Interestingly, during the plenary session, there was no mention of the 2024 budget, raising questions about the status of the previous fiscal year’s financial planning and expenditures.
The Assembly’s call for the governor to present the budget within 48 hours adds another layer to the political drama in Rivers State, underlining the ongoing struggle for control and legitimacy between the governor and the Assembly.
Implications for Governance and Development
The 2025 budget, dubbed the “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development” by Fubara, is expected to lay the foundation for key developmental projects across the state. However, the political turbulence surrounding its passage and implementation could complicate matters further. The state’s ability to access federal allocations remains uncertain, as the Supreme Court’s ruling requires the Central Bank of Nigeria to withhold funds until the Rivers government complies with constitutional provisions.
As the clock ticks down on the governor’s 48-hour deadline, all eyes will be on Port Harcourt to see if Fubara complies with the legislative request and how the unfolding political situation impacts governance in Rivers State.
The Road Ahead: Political and Legal Uncertainty
Governor Fubara’s commitment to adhere to the Supreme Court’s judgment remains to be fully tested. The legal landscape in Rivers is shifting rapidly, and the state’s political leaders will need to navigate these challenges carefully to avoid further disruption in governance. If the governor fails to present the budget on time, it could trigger additional legal and political ramifications that may stall development projects and exacerbate the already tense relationship between the executive and the legislature.
As the situation develops, the people of Rivers State, along with national observers, will be watching closely to determine whether this latest political twist is resolved smoothly or leads to further turmoil.
Reference
Rivers Assembly Orders Governor Fubara to Present 2025 Budget Within 48 Hours