Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, firmly declared that the issue surrounding the state’s 2024 Appropriation Bill is definitively settled, as his administration is already focused on preparing the 2025 budget.
This statement comes in response to a directive from the Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the State Assembly, demanding a re-presentation of the budget within seven days.
The rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, led to a fractionalisation of the state assembly. Fubara presented the 2024 budget to a three-member faction led by Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, which remains loyal to him amidst the political upheaval.
Addressing leaders from Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas, Governor Fubara dismissed the relevance of the 25 assembly members led by Amaewhule, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He pointed out that their seats were declared vacant on December 13, 2023, and that nothing has changed since then.
Fubara emphasized that his administration has already begun preparations for the 2025 budget, highlighting education, healthcare, and agriculture as its primary focus areas.
Regarding his ongoing rift with Nyesom Wike, Fubara affirmed his commitment to upholding truth and integrity in governance, insisting on his determination to resist any pressures that could undermine the welfare and future of Rivers State.
“If it is only being on our knees to rule that is the way that they will see us as being loyal, then I will pack my few things that I have here and go and relax in my house comfortably because it will be a disaster,” he said.
