In a fiery address to a high-level delegation of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara made bold declarations, challenging both federal authorities and the state Assembly over the ongoing political crisis in the state.
Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara expressed frustration over the refusal of some Assembly members to receive the 2025 budget, citing issues with the proposed local government council election and the legitimacy of certain commissioners in his cabinet. He warned that if the lawmakers remained unyielding, his administration would have no choice but to revert to a three-member assembly, with Sokari Goodboy as the speaker.
We will not continue to wait for the so-called Assembly members. If they would rather not receive the 2025 budget because of the proposed local government council election and some commissioners they believe are illegal, then they leave us with no choice but to return to our 3-man assembly. This time, Sokari Goodboy will be the speaker,Fubara declared.
The governor further asserted his authority, making it clear that he would not allow external influences to dictate the affairs of Rivers State.
âLet me say this here, I am the Governor of Rivers State, and not the local government chairman of Government House. I will not let anyone within or outside the state undermine my authority given to me by the people of the state,he stated.
In a direct challenge to federal institutions, Fubara accused the Presidency and the Supreme Court of overreach, declaring that Rivers State would no longer prioritize their influence in decision-making.
I think we have given Mr. President and the Supreme Court too much undeserving respect ”enough is enough. Henceforth, we will make our decisions and policies in line with orders from the Rivers State High Court only. And if these external forces push us further, we will react in a manner they will never imagine,he warned.
Governor Fubara’s remarks mark an escalation in the ongoing political battle within Rivers State, signaling potential constitutional confrontations between state and federal authorities in the coming months. PANDEF, a key stakeholder in Niger Delta affairs, has yet to issue a formal response to the governor’s declarations.
As tensions rise, all eyes will be on how the Presidency, the Supreme Court, and other political actors react to this latest development in Rivers State’s unfolding crisis.
