According to a Friday 14 of March, 2025 report by Vanguard, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally notified the state House of Assembly of his intention to present the 2025 budget about eight hours after his Chief Judge was placed under investigation for alleged age falsification,
Fubara’s planned presentation of the budget was thwarted when he and his entourage were denied entry to the Assembly Complex On Wednesday, 12th of March, 2025. According to the House spokesperson, Hon. Enemi George, the Governor’s inability to “formally communicate” with the Assembly was the reason for the lockout.
In a letter titled, Notice of Presentation of Rivers State 2025 Budget to Rivers State House of Assembly, which was addressed to the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, the Governor explained the events surrounding the failed presentation. Fubara noted that, despite delivering a soft copy of the notice to the House, the Clerk had refused to accept the hard copy, resulting in the Governor and his team being blocked from entering the premises.
The letter also recalled the Assembly’s previous 48-hour ultimatum for the budget presentation, issued despite the fact that the Governor had not received a certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgment or the enrolled orders.
“We were simply complying with both the order of the Supreme Court and the request of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Fubara stated, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Supreme Court’s directive for all government arms to operate within constitutional bounds.
The Governor further stressed that the state’s interests should outweigh any political conflicts, urging that the focus remain on advancing the well-being of the people.
Fubara’s letter concluded with a new proposed date for the budget presentation: Wednesday, 19th March 2025, at 11:00 a.m., or another convenient time within the month, as deemed appropriate by the Speaker.
It remains to be seen whether the House will respond to the governor’s request, especially considering the extended timeline for rescheduling the presentation.
