Fresh Showdown Looms as Fubara Rejects Rivers Assembly’s Budget Ultimatum

Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, are heading for another confrontation following the governor’s rejection of a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2025 budget. The assembly had demanded that Fubara submit the budget titled *Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development*, challenging the N1.1 trillion budget he had already signed into law on January 2, 2025.

This renewed political tension follows the Supreme Court’s February 28 ruling, which reinstated 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The court also nullified the October 2024 local government elections and ordered the seizure of the state’s allocation.

At their first sitting since the ruling, the reinstated lawmakers insisted on the budget presentation, arguing that constitutional provisions must be followed. The assembly also opposed Fubara’s directive for outgoing local government chairmen to hand over to Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs), stating that the Supreme Court had ruled against non-elected officials administering councils.

Speaker Amaewhule criticized the governor’s stance, referencing the Supreme Court judgment in *SC/CV/343/2024*, which declared that only elected officials could oversee local government affairs. He also emphasized the need to amend the state’s electoral laws before conducting fresh local government elections.

The assembly resolved to proceed on a 12-week recess from March 7 but directed standing committees to continue statutory functions. Lawmakers justified their demands, warning that the absence of an Appropriation Law could plunge the state into financial difficulties.

Fubara, however, remained defiant. Speaking at the inauguration of the Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters in Port Harcourt, he urged his supporters to remain resolute, vowing that governance in the state would continue despite political turbulence. He reassured them that he would not be intimidated into making unconstitutional decisions, asserting that the people of Rivers State must take control of their destiny.

The governor dismissed fears of impeachment or removal from office, stating, “The worst that will happen is for me to leave office. Am I leaving the earth? Is it going to stop me from existing?” He reaffirmed his commitment to governance, integrity, and the well-being of Rivers people.

Meanwhile, his administration defended its decisions. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, criticized the lawmakers’ ultimatum, describing it as undemocratic and disrespectful. He maintained that the state would act only after receiving the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court ruling, expected by March 7. Johnson also defended the directive for LG chairmen to hand over to HLGAs, arguing that governance must continue in the absence of elected officials.

In compliance with Fubara’s directive, outgoing local government chairmen handed over to HLGAs on Monday. The former chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government, Ezebunwo Ichemati, confirmed his handover to Clifford Paul, expressing satisfaction with his brief tenure.

Amid the political crisis, tensions spilled onto the streets as rival supporters of Fubara and Wike staged protests and counter-demonstrations across the state. Pro-Fubara supporters chanted solidarity songs in various local government areas, while Wike’s supporters mocked the governor’s predicament, accusing him of excessive dismissals. Viral videos circulating online captured these confrontations, further highlighting the deepening political divide in Rivers State.