Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his intention to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the State House of Assembly, following a previous attempt that was blocked. In a letter dated March 13, 2025, addressed to the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, Fubara informed the lawmakers of his plans to present the budget on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, or another date in March, as deemed appropriate by the Assembly.
The governor’s decision comes in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling and as a response to the House’s request for the re-presentation of the budget. Fubara referenced the earlier incident on March 12, when he attempted to present the 2025 budget but was denied access to the Assembly complex, despite prior arrangements. He described the experience as frustrating, recalling that his entourage was locked out, and his delivery of a soft copy of the notice was not accepted, with the Clerk rejecting the hard copy.
In his letter, the governor explained, “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.” He further noted that, prior to the incident, the Assembly had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to present the budget, despite not having received a certified true copy of the Supreme Court’s judgment.
Fubara emphasized that the presentation was in line with the Supreme Court’s directive, which requires all arms of government to perform their duties within the framework of the Constitution. He reiterated that despite the political differences between the executive and legislative arms, the welfare of the state and its people should always come first.
The governor closed his letter by formally requesting the Assembly’s consideration of his presentation on March 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. or any other date within the month that the lawmakers find convenient.
