Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has again informed the Rivers State House of Assembly, suggesting Wednesday, March 19, 2025, as the revised date for presenting the 2025 state budget.
In his correspondence to Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara referenced his previous unsuccessful attempt to deliver the budget on March 12, when he was unable to access the Assembly building.
According to reports, the governor explained that despite having provided advance notice electronically and attempting to deliver a physical copy through official channels, he and his team were prevented from entering the premises.
Fubara noted that his actions were intended to comply with a Supreme Court ruling, which he pointed out also requires the Assembly to fulfill its responsibilities within constitutional parameters.
The governor also mentioned that the Assembly had previously demanded the budget presentation within 48 hours, issuing this ultimatum before he had received official documentation of the judgment.
Despite ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, Governor Fubara expressed his dedication to continuing governmental operations.
He called on all government branches to perform their duties in accordance with legal and constitutional requirements for the benefit of Rivers State residents.
“No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts,” he stated.
In his letter to the Rivers State House of Assembly, Governor Siminalayi Fubara formally proposed presenting the 2025 budget on March 19 at 11:00 a.m., while remaining flexible about the timing if the Assembly prefers an alternative schedule.
The governor concluded his communication by expressing optimism that the lawmakers would respond positively to his request.
This exchange is the latest development in the continuing disagreement between Governor Fubara and the Assembly following the Supreme Court's ruling that directed the governor to present the 2025 budget to the Amaewhule-led State Assembly.
The situation escalated dramatically on Wednesday when Governor Fubara arrived at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters only to find the entrance gates locked. Security personnel at the location denied access to the governor's convoy.
Security officials justified their actions by claiming there had been no official communication between the governor and the Assembly regarding his visit. However, Governor Fubara maintained that he had informed the lawmakers of his intended arrival.
In a separate statement on Thursday, Governor Fubara appealed to Assembly members to prioritize the interests of Rivers State citizens and work toward peaceful resolution of the political standoff affecting the South-South state.
“It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace,” Fubara said when he commissioned some projects in the Okrika Local Government Area of the state.
The governor emphasized the necessity of peace for effective governance and urged all discontented political figures in the state to move past previous events. He called on them to fully support and implement the set of decisions issued by the Supreme Court on February 28, 2025.
“The Supreme Court has made its judgment, we don’t have any option but to abide by it, and by the special grace of God, we have started the process.
“We are appealing to other parties: consider the interest of Rivers State. The only thing that we owe this state is peace and development.
“I am open any day, any time for total peace in our state because if I have to govern well, there is the need for peace,” the governor said.
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