The Rivers State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Tony Okocha, has condemned Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a faction of the State House of Assembly comprising only five members. Okocha described the act as illegal and a direct violation of court rulings and governance protocols.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Okocha expressed disbelief at the governor’s actions, which he said displayed a disregard for the rule of law. He referenced a January 2024 judgment by Justice Omotosho, which recognized the legislative leadership under Martins Amaewhule and stipulated that all official matters, including budget presentations, must follow this legal framework.
“It is unthinkable that a governor with a solid background in finance and governance would blatantly ignore legal processes,” Okocha stated. “The Assembly has 30 functional members, yet the budget was presented to a setting courts have declared illegitimate.”
The APC chairman accused Governor Fubara of promoting division rather than reconciliation, suggesting that this approach would escalate political tensions in 2025.
“Instead of extending an olive branch and fostering peace in the new year, the governor has chosen to deepen the divisions in the state,” Okocha said.
He further clarified that 27 Assembly members had not defected to the APC and remained loyal to the PDP, dismissing claims of their membership in his party.
“They are still PDP members. While I may have lost my bid to bring them over, my focus remains on progress, not joining the governor on a path of self-destruction,” Okocha remarked.
Governor Fubara had earlier presented a proposed budget of ₦1.8 trillion to a five-member Assembly faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, sparking widespread criticism and questions about the legitimacy of the process. (Daily Trust)
