Rivers State Governor Fubara Blocked from Presenting 2025 Budget Amid Political Tensions

Editor 5 hours agoLast Updated: March 12, 2025

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Rivers State Budget Crisis: Governor Fubara Barred from State Assembly

27 Lawmakers Loyal to Nyesom Wike Prevent Budget Presentation

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, faced a major political blockade on Wednesday morning as 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, prevented him from accessing the State House of Assembly. The move effectively halted his plans to present the 2025 Rivers State budget, deepening the ongoing political crisis in the state.

Governor Fubara’s Attempt to Present 2025 Budget Thwarted

Reports indicate that Governor Fubara arrived at the Rivers State House of Assembly early in the day to fulfill a crucial constitutional duty—presenting the 2025 budget proposal to a legally recognized legislature. His move was in line with a key provision of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment, which mandates that the budget be submitted to a properly constituted State Assembly.

However, the governor’s efforts were met with resistance as Assembly staff and lawmakers allegedly loyal to Nyesom Wike denied him access to the chamber.

Assembly Staff Deny Prior Knowledge of Governor’s Visit

Speaking anonymously, some members of the Assembly staff claimed they had not received any formal communication regarding Governor Fubara’s scheduled visit.

“I am not aware that the Governor was scheduled to be at the Assembly today (Wednesday). If such information existed, the Rt. Hon. Speaker would have informed us. As of now, we have no knowledge of his visit,” a source at the Assembly disclosed.

This development underscores the deepening divide within the political structure of Rivers State, as tensions between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, continue to escalate.

Political Crisis Deepens in Rivers State

The power struggle in Rivers State has been brewing for months, with a faction of lawmakers aligned with Wike continuously challenging Governor Fubara’s authority. The recent move to block his access to the State Assembly further highlights the rift between both camps.

This crisis has sparked concerns about governance in the state, as political disputes continue to take precedence over legislative functions. Analysts warn that continued political interference could disrupt key government operations, including budgetary allocations and developmental projects.

Legal Implications and Possible Resolution

Legal experts argue that blocking the governor from presenting the 2025 Rivers State budget could be a violation of constitutional processes. The Supreme Court judgment had earlier emphasized the need for a properly constituted legislature to receive and deliberate on the budget. By preventing the governor from accessing the State Assembly, the lawmakers may be setting the stage for another round of legal battles.

Political observers suggest that intervention from national leadership may be necessary to resolve the ongoing impasse. Calls have been made for both Governor Fubara and the lawmakers to engage in dialogue to ensure that governance is not hindered by political conflicts.

What Happens Next?

As the crisis unfolds, Rivers State residents and stakeholders remain concerned about the implications for governance, economic stability, and infrastructural development. The inability of the governor to present the 2025 budget proposal on time could lead to delays in funding essential state projects and programs.

Governor Fubara’s next course of action remains uncertain. However, sources close to the administration suggest that he may explore legal avenues to challenge the lawmakers’ actions. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on national political leaders to intervene and broker peace between the warring factions.

Conclusion

The situation in Rivers State remains tense as Governor Siminalayi Fubara struggles to assert his authority in the face of opposition from lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike. The 2025 budget standoff is the latest in a series of political disputes that have rocked the state, raising concerns about the impact on governance and development.

As political tensions continue, all eyes will be on the next steps taken by both the governor and the lawmakers. Whether through legal battles or political negotiations, resolving this crisis is crucial to ensuring effective governance in Rivers State.