Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State was on Wednesday locked out of the temporary Rivers State House of Assembly complex along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, where he was scheduled to re-present the 2025 budget.
The governor arrived at the Assembly complex with his entourage but met the entrance gate locked.
Governor Fubara stated that he had notified the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, of his intention to re-present the budget through a formal letter.
He added that efforts to reach the Speaker by phone since Tuesday had been unsuccessful.
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Tribune Online reports that the lawmakers had earlier given the governor a 48-hour ultimatum to re-present the budget, which had initially been passed by a four-member faction of the Assembly loyal to him.
In their resolution, signed by the Speaker, the lawmakers stated, “Pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/1174/2024, which calls for the stoppage of Statutory Federal allocations to the Rivers State Government and the halting of spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State until an Appropriation Bill is passed, you are requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended. The House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours.”
However, the Supreme Court has recognised the 27-member faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Following the judgment, the governor wrote a letter to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, inviting them to a meeting at the Governor’s Office.
The letter, signed by Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and dated March 7, 2025, was addressed to Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule and other members of the Assembly.
The letter, which was made public on Sunday, March 9, stated that the agenda included the provision of a suitable space for the Assembly’s sittings, payment of all outstanding remuneration and allowances of the Honourable members, presentation of the budget and related matters, as well as any other issues deemed necessary to chart a way forward in the best interest of the state.
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