Rivers State 2025 Budget: Governor Fubara to Re-Present Appropriation Bill to State Assembly

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially notified the Rivers State House of Assembly of his intention to re-present the Rivers State 2025 Budget for consideration and approval.

In a letter dated March 13, 2025, and addressed to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara indicated his willingness to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, or any other convenient date within March as deemed fit by the House.

Governor Fubara’s Compliance with Supreme Court Judgment

Governor Fubara emphasized that his decision aligns with the recent Supreme Court judgment and is in response to the lawmakers’ request for a budget re-presentation. He recalled the previous attempt to present the budget at the Assembly Quarters, where the lawmakers were temporarily holding sessions, but he and his entourage were denied entry.

His letter to the Speaker read:

“You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on March 12, 2025, for the presentation of the 2025 Rivers State Budget, in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

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“As you know, the planned presentation of the budget could not take place because my entourage and I were locked out at the gate and denied entry into the premises despite the prior delivery of a soft copy of the notice to you, following the failure of the Clerk to accept the hard copy from us.”

The Initial Budget Presentation Standoff

Governor Fubara reminded the Rivers State House of Assembly that before the failed budget presentation attempt, the lawmakers had issued a 48-hour ultimatum for him to submit the Rivers State 2025 Budget, even though he had not yet received the certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment and accompanying orders.

He stated:

“Before this unfortunate incident, the House issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the presentation of the 2025 budget, even when we were yet to be served with the certified true copy of the judgment and accompanying enrolled orders.”

Fubara further clarified that his attempt to present the budget on March 12, 2025, was in full compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive and the request of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Supreme Court’s Directive on Government Functions

The governor stressed the need for all arms of government to function within the framework of the Constitution and Nigeria’s legal provisions, in line with the Supreme Court’s directive.

“The Supreme Court has directed that all arms of government should exercise their powers and perform their duties within the ambits of the Constitution and other applicable laws. This must be done to end the stalemate and ensure progress for Rivers State and the well-being of our people.”

He further stated that despite political differences, the interests of Rivers State citizens should take precedence over any conflicts.

Governor Fubara’s Request for a New Budget Presentation Date

In light of the previous budget presentation impasse, Governor Fubara has once again notified the House of his intention to present the 2025 Rivers State Budget at a rescheduled date, stating:

“Against this background, it is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr. Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, by 11:00 a.m., or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient.”

The governor expressed his hope that the House would give kind consideration to his request and reiterated his commitment to ensuring governance in Rivers State continues smoothly.

“Thank you for the kind consideration of my request by the House, and please accept, Mr. Speaker, the assurance of my highest regards.”

Implications of the Rivers State 2025 Budget Standoff

The budget re-presentation is a crucial step for Rivers State’s governance and financial planning for 2025. The ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly has led to delays in the budget approval process, raising concerns about its impact on government projects, salaries, and economic growth in the state.

Key Issues:

• The budget deadlock has stalled critical development projects.
• The political tension between the executive and legislative arms remains unresolved.
• There are concerns over the legislature’s independence in budgetary matters.

Conclusion

With Governor Siminalayi Fubara set to re-present the Rivers State 2025 Budget, all eyes will be on the Rivers State House of Assembly to see whether the appropriation bill will be deliberated and approved without further conflicts.

This move marks a crucial test for the political climate in Rivers State, as stakeholders anticipate a resolution to the ongoing budget impasse.

Stay updated for further developments on the Rivers State 2025 Budget approval process.

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