The political standoff between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the state House of Assembly escalated further on Friday as the governor’s move to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill encountered obstacles.
Governor Fubara had, on Thursday, formally communicated his intention to the Assembly through a letter addressed to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule. In the letter dated March 13, 2025, the governor expressed his readiness to re-present the budget on Wednesday, March 19, or any other date in March that the House found suitable.
Fubara’s decision to re-present the budget is in compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling and in response to the Assembly’s request for a fresh submission of the 2025 Appropriation Bill. However, political observers note that the move is already facing resistance, with tensions between the executive and the legislature threatening to paralyze governance in the state.
The rift between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly has been ongoing, stemming from a broader power struggle within the state’s political structure. The conflict intensified in late 2023 when a faction of lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike clashed with the governor over control of the legislative and executive arms of government.
This disagreement led to a split within the Assembly, with some members defecting and aligning with different political interests. Amidst these tensions, the House of Assembly had earlier nullified the 2025 budget presented by the governor, insisting that it did not follow due legislative processes. This move compelled Fubara to consider re-presenting the bill to seek legislative approval.
Despite Fubara’s attempt to follow legal protocols, political analysts suggest that his ability to secure a smooth budget passage remains uncertain. The divided legislature, coupled with an underlying political battle between his administration and elements loyal to Wike, makes the situation unpredictable.
Furthermore, the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, has yet to publicly respond to Fubara’s request, raising speculation about whether the lawmakers will cooperate or frustrate the process. Some factions within the House have already signaled discontent, viewing the governor’s move as an attempt to assert dominance over the legislature.
The continued impasse raises concerns about governance in Rivers State, particularly regarding the implementation of developmental projects and the smooth running of government operations in the 2025 fiscal year.
The coming days will be crucial in determining how the situation unfolds. If the House rejects the re-presented budget, the state could face a prolonged legislative deadlock, potentially affecting salaries, infrastructure projects, and other government activities. On the other hand, if a political resolution is reached, it may set a new precedent for power dynamics in the state.
As the March 19 budget presentation date approaches, all eyes remain on Rivers State to see whether the executive-legislative standoff will be resolved or if the crisis will deepen further, with potential legal and political consequences.
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