Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has once again written to the Rivers State House of Assembly, proposing March 19, 2025, as the new date for the presentation of the 2025 state budget.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara recounted his previous attempt to present the budget on March 12, which was thwarted when he was denied access to the Assembly premises.
He explained that despite delivering a soft copy notification and attempting to submit a hard copy through the clerk, he and his team were locked out.
The governor highlighted that his actions were in accordance with a Supreme Court judgment, which also directed the Assembly to operate within constitutional limits.
He reminded the Speaker that the House had previously given a 48-hour deadline for the budget presentation, even before he received a certified true copy of the judgment and enrolled orders.
Governor Fubara reiterated his commitment to governance amid the state’s political crisis and called on all branches of government to perform their duties within legal and constitutional boundaries for the benefit of the citizens.
“No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts,” he stated.
The letter formally notified the Speaker of his intention to present the budget on March 19 at 11:00 a.m. or at any other time deemed convenient by the House.
Governor Fubara concluded by expressing his hope that the Assembly would consider his request favourably.
There have been a back and forth between the Fubara and the lawmakers following the Supreme Court judgement ordering the governor to present the 2025 budget to the State Assembly led by Amaewhule.
It took a dramatic turn at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters on Wednesday when Governor Siminalayi Fubara arrived at the venue but the entrance gate locked.
The security personnel at the quarters locked the gates when the governor’s convoy arrived.
The action of the security personnel was hinged on the position that there was no official communication between the governor and the Assembly. However, the governor insisted that he informed the lawmakers that he coming.