31st December 2024
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Monday, presented N1.188trn budget estimate for 2025 to a four man Rivers state House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo as speaker.
Same scenario played out last year, when governor Fubara, shunned the 27-member factional lawmakers, loyal to his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking on the budget presentation, on Monday, the opposition All Progressives Congress in Rivers State accused Fubara of perpetrating an illegality.
The Rivers State House of Assembly became factionalised in October 2023 following a breakdown in the relationship between Fubara and Wike which got to its peak with a failed impeachment move on governor Sim, by lawmakers loyal to former governor Nysome Wike.
The 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, later announced their defection from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
Since then, Fubara had tagged the 27 lawmakers, led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, as illegitimate, going by section 109 sub section (1) (g) of the Nigeria constitution as amended, insisting he would have nothing to do with them.
The budget presentation took place at the Administrative Block of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
In his address, Fubara, said the budget, themed: “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,” would be implemented to achieve sustainable economic growth, accelerate development and improve the living standards of residents.
However, the Rivers APC, led by its chairman, Tony Okocha, condemned Fubara’s decision to present the budget to three lawmakers while shunning the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers.
READ MORE; Rivers Governor Fubara Presents 2025 Appropriation Bill Of 1.188trn To Four-Member House Of Assembly
Similarly, Rivers APC’s Publicity Secretary, Chibuike Ikenga, accused the governor of flouting court orders.
He said, “I think the trajectory is a continuum where a case is sub judice and the government of Rivers State is continuing to act in disobedience to court processes and procedures.
“It is expected that having disobeyed the decision of the high court and the decision of the appellate court, we await the final decision from the Supreme Court on who is the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“Our party, the APC, expects the state government to obey the judicial pronouncement and positions and await the determination of these issues before the final court so that we can have a reprieve and begin to develop our state
“That the government is disobeying those positions is unfortunate and does not encourage peacebuilding and development.
