Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is set to again ignore the lawmakers who remain loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, in the upcoming 2025 budget presentation.
This move comes despite a recent ruling from the Federal High Court, which declared the 2024 budget presentation by a three-member faction of the state House of Assembly as invalid.
The political situation in Rivers State has been tense since October 2023, when a faction of the House of Assembly, loyal to Wike, attempted to impeach Governor Fubara. The political turmoil escalated when an explosion destroyed part of the state assembly complex.
Efforts to mend the rift, including a peace meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu, ultimately failed. As a result, the faction loyal to Fubara, consisting of just three members, has continued to manage the legislative activities of the state, including passing the budget.
However, the Federal High Court in Abuja declared the passage of the 2024 budget by this small faction null and void. Despite this setback, Governor Fubara remains confident about the cooperation of the state House of Assembly going forward.
On Saturday, Fubara reiterated his commitment to working closely with the assembly to improve the lives of the state’s citizens. He highlighted the strong working relationship between his administration and the 10th Assembly, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo.
This relationship has been evident through the smooth screening of nominees for various positions and the swift passage of executive bills.
During the inauguration of two ultra-modern community town halls and the launch of a tertiary scholarship and empowerment program in Bonny Local Government Area, Fubara expressed his confidence in the 10th Assembly’s support for the 2025 budget.
Represented by the Chief of Staff to the Government House, Edison Ehie, the governor thanked the Speaker for his continued support. “I thank you Mr Speaker for your support so far to the government of Rivers State as we see in your cooperation.
“The Speaker that screened caretaker committee chairmen, the speaker that has been helping us ensure that requests from the executive arm are swiftly confirmed, the Speaker that will give life to the 2025 budget,” Fubara stated.
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The governor also praised the constituency projects initiated by Speaker Oko-Jumbo, recognizing them as tangible evidence of his dedication to representing the people.
He contrasted this with the failure of the 25 former lawmakers, whom he described as “Abuja-based politicians,” to secure any similar projects for their constituents. “This is one of the dividends of democracy as elected representatives of our people show that you are elected into the House of Assembly to represent your people.
“One of the obvious signs is constituency projects. The 25 former assembly members that sacked themselves, has anyone done projects? Have you seen or watched it anywhere? Are they inspecting or commissioning projects? These are Abuja-based politicians,” Fubara remarked.
Speaker Oko-Jumbo, in his address, thanked the people of Bonny for their trust in the 10th Assembly and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Governor Fubara.
“We will not be distracted by the enemies of Rivers State. We will not be distracted by the 25 former members of the House of Assembly. What happened on October 30, 2023, was deliberately orchestrated. Our God, who hath in heaven, blinded their eyes and made them deaf.
“And as such, they made a fatal mistake when they sought to not just only impeach my brother and friend, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie as leader but to further impeach His Excellency, the governor. And by God’s grace, today, even though at that time we didn’t think that we would have lasted one month, the Rivers people stood firm, the Bonny people stood firm, and we resisted (and we are still strong today),” he said.
This continued support from the 10th Assembly has bolstered Fubara’s position as he prepares to present the 2025 budget, despite the ongoing political strife.
