Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has once again formally requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly, signaling a renewed effort to navigate the ongoing political complexities. Hobnob News has obtained details of the governor’s letter, which outlines his intention to present the budget on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, or any other date within March deemed suitable by the Assembly.
The governor’s decision is presented as a direct response to the Supreme Court judgment and the Assembly’s own request for a budget re-presentation. However, the letter also references a recent incident where Fubara and his entourage were denied entry to the Assembly Quarters, where the lawmakers were temporarily convening, when he initially attempted to present the budget.
“You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, for the presentation of the 2025 Rivers State Budget in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” Fubara wrote in his letter to Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
He detailed the events of the failed attempt, stating, “As you know, the planned presentation of the said 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 governor also addressed the Assembly’s earlier 48-hour ultimatum for the budget presentation, which was issued before the certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment was served. He emphasized that his attempt to present the budget on March 12 was in compliance with both the court order and the Assembly’s request.
“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 ordinary laws of our country, and this we must do to end the lingering stalemate and advance the progress of our state and the well-being of our people,” Fubara stated, highlighting the importance of prioritizing the state’s interests over political conflicts.
Despite the previous setback, Fubara has reiterated his desire to present the budget, offering the Assembly the flexibility to choose a convenient date within March. “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, 19th March 2025, by 11.00 a.m. or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient,” he wrote.
The governor’s renewed effort to present the budget underscores the ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative branches in Rivers State. The outcome of this request will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the state’s political landscape and the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill. Hobnob News will continue to track this developing story.
