Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has defended his decision to present the 2025 budget to just three lawmakers amidst an ongoing feud with members of the State House of Assembly loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. In a bold statement on Thursday, Siminalayi Fubara justified the move, citing the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as grounds for their permanent disqualification from the Assembly.
Speaking at the signing of the N1.1 trillion budget at the State House in Port Harcourt, Siminalayi Fubara rejected accusations of operating with a factional legislature, declaring that the three-member Assembly, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, remains the only legitimate legislative body.
Rift with Wike’s Camp: A Governor’s Resolve
Governor Siminalayi Fubara criticized the lawmakers loyal to Wike, accusing them of betraying the trust of Rivers people by defecting to the APC. He likened their political maneuvering to a “sea-bared journey,” which he claimed ended disastrously due to their own choices.
“There is no governor in Nigeria who can take the kind of insult I took from those set of people,” Siminalayi Fubara said. “We have given them enough room for peace, but as it stands now, our major target is the interest of Rivers State. We have moved on.”
Siminalayi Fubara also expressed gratitude to his executive council and the legitimate Assembly members for their dedication, pledging to ensure the effective implementation of the 2025 budget to further develop the state.
Budget Presentation Sparks Controversy
The presentation of the 2025 budget has been mired in controversy, with opposition voices labeling the process as illegal. Chief Tony Okocha, Chairman of the Rivers State APC, described Siminalayi Fubara’s action as a blatant disregard for judicial pronouncements.
Okocha pointed to a January 2024 ruling by Justice James Omotosho, which stipulated that budgets must be presented to the full Assembly, including the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers. He argued that excluding the majority of lawmakers undermines the legislative process and sets a dangerous precedent.
“It is unimaginable that a governor with such a rich background in finance and governance would sidestep legal processes,” Okocha said. “The Assembly has 30 functional members, yet the budget was presented in an illegitimate setting.”
Governor’s Leadership Style Under Scrutiny
Critics have accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of fostering division rather than promoting unity in Rivers State. Okocha lamented what he described as a confrontational leadership style, urging Fubara to use the new year to mend political fences.
“I expected the governor to extend an olive branch and promote peace, but instead, he continues to fuel the flames of division,” Okocha said. He emphasized that the 27 lawmakers remain PDP members and called for reconciliation to ensure progress in the state.
Siminalayi Fubara’s Vision for Rivers State
Despite the political tensions, Governor Siminalayi Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Rivers State. He highlighted key sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture as areas of focus for the 2025 fiscal year.
“We have made promises to our people, and we must deliver,” Siminalayi Fubara stated. “Our record of performance in 2024 was remarkable, and we aim to surpass it in 2025.”
Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo commended Siminalayi Fubara’s leadership, describing 2025 as a year of strategic planning and partnership. He pledged the Assembly’s support in delivering the dividends of democracy to Rivers people.
The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State underscores the challenges of governance amidst factionalism, with both sides remaining steadfast in their positions.
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