The political storm in Rivers State has reached a boiling point as the State House of Assembly issues a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, accusing him of stalling the 2025 budget process and defying constitutional mandates. The lawmakers claim the governor’s refusal to properly present the Appropriation Bill is crippling governance and dragging the state into chaos.
A Government at War with Itself
At the heart of the crisis is a growing rift between Governor Fubara and the Assembly. The lawmakers allege that despite a Supreme Court ruling mandating a fresh budget presentation, the governor has deliberately frustrated the process. In a fiery statement, the House Committee on Information Chairman, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, dismissed Fubara’s claims of having sent a budget presentation request, branding it a desperate attempt to manipulate public sentiment.
“His Excellency claims to have written to us, yet no such letter exists in our records. If he truly sent it, let him present an acknowledged copy. Instead, his aides allegedly forwarded a letter via WhatsApp—an act as unprofessional as it is absurd,” George declared.
A Battle Over Due Process
The lawmakers argue that rather than engaging in meaningful governance, Fubara is playing a dangerous game—one that could leave Rivers State in financial paralysis. The House had earlier called on the governor to submit the budget promptly, knowing that delays could prevent access to critical federal funds. But instead of cooperation, the Assembly claims it faced outright hostility.
“When we first attempted to deliver an official letter requesting the budget, our staff were brutalized at the Government House gate and sent back. When we used a courier service, the governor ignored it. Rather than responding to our call, he went to court against us,” George lamented.
Systematic Breakdown of Governance
Beyond the budget standoff, the Assembly accuses the governor of actively dismantling democratic institutions. They highlight how the Supreme Court nullified the appointments of key state commissioners, yet Fubara has refused to submit a new list for screening. According to George, ministries, departments, and agencies have been instructed not to communicate with the Assembly—a move he describes as a blatant attempt to govern without legislative oversight.
The Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, echoed these concerns, citing a damning Supreme Court statement:
“A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the state under the 1999 Constitution. In this case, the executive arm has chosen to collapse the legislature, enabling him to govern as a despot. As it is, there is no government in Rivers State.”
Lawmakers Cry Out: “We Have Seen Hell”
In a deeply emotional appeal, George painted a grim picture of the suffering endured by the legislators.
The Assembly chamber was set on fire, allegedly at the governor’s behest.
Their official residences were invaded and attacked.
Their allowances have been withheld for 18 months, forcing them into economic hardship.
“We have been battered beyond measure, yet we have endured in silence for the sake of Rivers State. But now, Fubara wants to extend this punishment to the people. We cannot allow it,” George declared.
A Cry for Intervention
The lawmakers are now urging Rivers residents to rise against what they describe as an unfolding dictatorship. They warn that the governor’s refusal to act responsibly will hurt pensioners, teachers, hospitals, and schools dependent on public funds.
“The governor is toying with the lives and livelihoods of Rivers people. Enough is enough. We call on everyone—traditional rulers, civil society, and the general public—to demand that he fulfills his constitutional duties before our state descends further into dysfunction.”
What Happens Next?
With the 48-hour deadline looming, all eyes are on Governor Fubara. Will he heed the call and present the 2025 budget, or will Rivers State plunge deeper into a governance crisis? One thing is certain—the battle for control of the state is far from over.
