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Rivers Govt Denies Sabotage As Assembly Accuses Fubara Of Budget Delay

Published

19 hours ago

Mar 17, 2025.

Rivers Govt Denies Sabotage As Assembly Accuses Fubara Of Budget Delay.
The government insists Fubara sent the budget request, but lawmakers deny receipt.
The Assembly demands proof, alleging the governor is stalling legislative processes.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of failing to implement the Supreme Court ruling that directed him to re-present the 2025 budget.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the lawmakers, loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, dismissed Fubara’s claims that he had written to the Assembly for the budget presentation, insisting no such correspondence was received.

Assembly spokesman Enemi Alabo George stated on Sunday that Fubara’s alleged letter was nonexistent, challenging him to provide an acknowledged copy as proof. He ridiculed reports that the letter was sent via WhatsApp, calling the claim “awkward, unprofessional, and embarrassing.”

However, Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, countered the lawmakers’ claims, asserting that Fubara had indeed sent a properly documented letter. Johnson stated that the budget presentation was proposed for Wednesday, March 19, and that the Assembly could call an emergency session despite being on indefinite recess.

George accused the governor of deliberately stalling legislative processes, alleging that attempts to engage with Fubara had been repeatedly thwarted. He claimed that after the Supreme Court ruling, the Assembly sent a letter urging the governor to submit the budget for approval by March 15, but the letter was allegedly rejected, and officials delivering it were assaulted at the Government House gate. A second attempt using a courier service also failed.

The Assembly further accused Fubara of disregarding the court’s ruling, which invalidated most state commissioners’ appointments, by refusing to submit a new list for screening.

George alleged that instead of complying, Fubara instructed the commissioners to take legal action against the Assembly and barred ministries and agencies from engaging with lawmakers.

He warned that Fubara’s refusal to cooperate with the Assembly could lead to governance breakdown in Rivers State, stressing that the legislature is an independent arm of government that cannot be ignored.

George also decried the hardships lawmakers have faced, including the destruction of the Assembly complex, attacks on members’ homes, and non-payment of allowances for 18 months.

Rivers Fubara Of Budget Delay

Calling on civil servants, pensioners, teachers, and healthcare workers to pressure Fubara into resolving the crisis, George said, “The governor’s actions jeopardize their livelihoods. We must all call on him to do the right thing for the sake of the state and its people.”