Rivers State Government, Assembly in War of Words Over Budget Presentation

Tensions escalated in Rivers State on Sunday as the state government and the House of Assembly clashed over the presentation of the 2025 budget. While the lawmakers accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of obstructing the Supreme Court’s judgment on the budget process, the Rivers state government countered that the Assembly must reconvene to allow the appropriation bill to be presented.

Assembly Accuses Fubara of Blocking Supreme Court Judgment Implementation

The Rivers State House of Assembly has alleged that Governor Fubara is deliberately frustrating efforts to implement the Supreme Court ruling, particularly concerning the state’s budget presentation. The Chairman of the House Committee on Information and spokesperson of the Assembly, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, dismissed the governor’s claims that he had sent a letter to the legislature requesting to present the 2025 budget.

George described the governor’s assertions as misleading, stating that there was no evidence of any official correspondence. “The governor claimed he had sent a letter to the House indicating his intention to visit and present the appropriation bill. However, no such letter has been received,” he said. “His aides later alleged that they forwarded the letter via WhatsApp to some members, which is highly unprofessional and embarrassing.”

The lawmaker further stated that the administration’s approach to the matter was an attempt to mislead the public. “We challenge the governor and his aides to produce an acknowledgment copy of the letter. This entire situation appears to be a ploy to demonize the Assembly and turn public sentiment against us,” he added.

Governor Rejected Assembly’s Attempts to Facilitate Budget Presentation — Lawmakers

The Rivers State Assembly also accused Governor Fubara of refusing to cooperate with them in resolving the budget impasse. They argued that the legislature had made multiple efforts to ensure a smooth process following the Supreme Court’s ruling but met resistance from the governor.

George recalled that after the court’s decision, the Assembly formally invited the governor to present the budget but received no response. “We wrote to the governor urging him to present the appropriation bill for consideration and passage. Our goal was to conclude the process by March 15, 2025, allowing the state to access funds withheld due to the legal battle,” he explained.

He also alleged that when Assembly staff attempted to deliver the invitation letter to the Government House, they were assaulted and turned away. “We had to resort to a courier service to ensure the letter was delivered. Yet, the governor did not acknowledge our request, nor did he show any willingness to engage with the Assembly,” George stated.

Rivers State Government Counters Assembly’s Claims, Calls for Reconvening

In a swift response, the Rivers State government denied the allegations and insisted that the Assembly must reconvene to receive the budget proposal. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, dismissed the lawmakers’ claims, stating that the government had made multiple attempts to engage with them.

“On March 7, we obtained the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgment and wrote to the Assembly, but they feigned ignorance,” Johnson said. “We wrote again, informing them that we planned to present the budget on March 12. Instead of responding, they abruptly ended their sitting and locked us out.”

He further accused the lawmakers of deliberately avoiding their constitutional duty. “On March 13, we wrote again, and as soon as they received the letter, they adjourned indefinitely. This shows a lack of seriousness on their part,” the commissioner stated.

Budget Crisis Sparks Concerns Over Constitutional Implications

The ongoing budget dispute between the Rivers State government and the Assembly has raised concerns over governance and constitutional responsibilities. The Supreme Court had earlier invalidated the budget passed by a faction of the Assembly loyal to Fubara, ordering the governor to present a fresh appropriation bill to the legitimate legislature.

Johnson warned that failure to present the budget would result in a constitutional crisis. “If the lawmakers do not reconvene to address the budget, they risk defying the Supreme Court’s ruling. This could create a governance stalemate that serves no one’s interest,” he said.

Observers have cautioned both parties to set aside their differences and ensure a smooth governance process in the state. As tensions continue to rise, stakeholders fear that the prolonged impasse could negatively impact development projects and essential services in Rivers State.