The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, demanding that he present the 2025 budget for consideration. This move comes amid heightened political tensions and follows the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that reinstated Martin Amaewhule as the Speaker of the Assembly. The lawmakers made the demand during their first plenary session after the court’s decision, signaling a new chapter in the ongoing power struggle in the state.
The Budget Controversy: A Timeline
Governor Fubara had initially signed the ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law on January 2, 2025, after presenting it to a faction of the Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday has complicated matters. The court directed the governor to present the 2024 budget to a “properly constituted” Assembly, effectively nullifying the earlier presentation to the Oko-Jumbo-led faction.
The court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold allocations to Rivers State until the government complies with its directives. This decision has added urgency to the Assembly’s demand for the governor to present the budget, titled the ‘Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,’ within 48 hours.
Supreme Court’s Role in Resolving the Crisis
The Supreme Court’s ruling has been a turning point in the political crisis in Rivers State. The court affirmed that Martin Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers remain members of the Assembly, despite their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The court also instructed Amaewhule to resume sittings with all elected members, effectively restoring the Assembly’s legitimacy.
This ruling has significant implications for the state’s governance, as it seeks to resolve the power struggle that has paralyzed legislative activities in Rivers State for months.
Heightened Security at the Assembly Complex
As lawmakers resumed their duties under Amaewhule’s leadership, security was significantly beefed up at the Rivers House of Assembly Quarters. The presence of security personnel underscores the tense political climate and the potential for further conflict as the Assembly and the governor navigate this delicate situation.
What’s Next for Rivers State?
The 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Assembly marks a critical moment in the ongoing standoff between the legislative and executive branches of government in Rivers State. Governor Fubara’s response to the demand will determine whether the state can move forward or remain mired in political gridlock. The Supreme Court’s intervention has provided a framework for resolving the crisis, but the path to stability remains uncertain.
