Wike’s Camp Protests as Fubara Presents Budget to Three-Man Assembly

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Monday, presented a N1.18 trillion budget estimate for 2025 to a three-man factional House of Assembly. This move has sparked controversy, mirroring a similar incident in 2024 when Fubara bypassed the main Assembly loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has remained divided since October 2023, following a fallout between Fubara and Wike. The crisis peaked with Fubara surviving an impeachment attempt by the pro-Wike faction, which later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite legal battles, Fubara has declared the 27-member faction led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule as illegitimate, preferring to work with the three-man Assembly headed by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo.

Budget Overview and Strategic Focus

The proposed budget, titled the “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,” aims to drive sustainable economic growth and improve the living standards of Rivers State residents.

Addressing lawmakers at the Assembly Auditorium in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara emphasized the need to build a resilient economy capable of withstanding external shocks from national economic volatility. The budget allocates N462.25 billion for recurrent expenditure, N678.09 billion for capital expenditure, a planning reserve of N35.69 billion, and a closing balance of N12.93 billion, reflecting a 44:56 recurrent-to-capital expenditure ratio. This structure underscores the administration’s commitment to infrastructural and human capital development.

Sectoral Allocations: Education, Health, and Agriculture

Governor Fubara prioritized education with a proposed N63 billion allocation, representing 9.3% of the budget. This will support free basic education, rehabilitation of dilapidated schools, and the provision of modern facilities such as classrooms, perimeter fencing, and essential utilities. The administration plans to access outstanding Universal Basic Education Commission grants to further enhance educational infrastructure and learning outcomes.

In the health sector, the governor earmarked N97.75 billion, 14.4% of the budget, to complete ongoing projects, including zonal hospitals, a new neuropsychiatric hospital, and the general hospital at Rumuigbo. The allocation will also facilitate the rehabilitation of health centres, procurement of essential medical supplies, and upgrades to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, aiming to improve tertiary healthcare services.

Agriculture received an allocation of nearly N31 billion to implement a comprehensive transformation program addressing youth unemployment and food insecurity. This includes providing farm inputs, tractors, improved seedlings, and training for farmers to boost productivity and ensure food security.

APC Slams Fubara’s Budget Presentation

The Rivers State APC has condemned Fubara’s decision to present the budget to a factional Assembly, describing it as unconstitutional and a violation of court orders. Chibuike Ikenga, the party’s Publicity Secretary, expressed disappointment over the governor’s disregard for ongoing legal proceedings to determine the legitimate leadership of the House of Assembly.

“The trajectory is troubling. The Rivers State Government has flouted decisions of both the high court and the appellate court. We await the Supreme Court’s ruling to bring clarity and stability,” Ikenga stated. He added that the governor’s actions undermine peacebuilding efforts and the state’s development.

Reactions and Political Implications

Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo commended the governor’s budgetary focus and lauded the increase in internally generated revenue (IGR) by over N100 billion, attributing it to Rivers State’s improved investment climate. He assured the executive of the Assembly’s support in implementing the budget.

However, the pro-Wike faction and its supporters argue that bypassing the 27 lawmakers undermines the principles of democracy and governance. Political analysts warn that the continued standoff could erode public confidence in the state’s leadership and exacerbate the political divide.

As Rivers State anticipates the Supreme Court’s verdict, the legitimacy of the Assembly factions and the implications for governance remain critical concerns.