Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sent a new letter to the State House of Assembly, requesting another chance to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill after being turned away earlier this week. The letter, dated March 13 and directed to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, suggests Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. as the preferred time, though Fubara added he’s open to any other day in March that works for the lawmakers.
The governor’s latest move follows a frustrating incident on March 12, when he and his team arrived at the Assembly complex to deliver the budget—only to find the gates locked despite giving advance notice. In his letter, Fubara pointed to this failed attempt, framing it as a hurdle in fulfilling both a Supreme Court ruling and the Assembly’s own 48-hour deadline for the budget submission.
“I had hoped to present the 2025 Rivers State Budget on March 12, as agreed, in line with the Supreme Court’s directive,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, my entourage and I were denied entry, preventing us from carrying out this constitutional responsibility.”
Read More: Rivers Assembly Accuses Fubara of Misconduct Amid Budget Lockout Dispute
Fubara urged the Assembly to set aside political tensions for the sake of Rivers State’s progress. “The Supreme Court has made it clear that all government branches must operate within the law to serve our people,” he noted. “No matter how deep our differences run, the well-being of our state and its citizens should come first.”
He wrapped up the letter with a formal request: “I’d like to propose presenting the 2025 Budget on March 19 at 11:00 a.m., or any other date this month that suits the House. Thank you for considering this, Mr. Speaker, and please know I hold your office in the highest regard.”
It bears mentioning that the governor’s persistence underscores his administration’s push to move forward amid ongoing friction with the Assembly, a dynamic that continues to test the state’s political landscape.
