A fresh political crisis is brewing in Rivers State as Governor Siminalayi Fubara rejects a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget. This latest standoff follows the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025 ruling, which reinstated 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, setting the stage for renewed hostilities between the governor and the Assembly.
Fubara also dismissed the lawmakers’ opposition to his directive for outgoing local government chairmen to hand over to the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs), emphasizing his administration’s commitment to governance continuity.
Budget Dispute Intensifies
The pro-Wike legislators, in their first sitting since the ruling, insisted that Fubara formally present the 2025 budget, titled ‘Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,’ within 48 hours. This directive directly challenges the N1.1tn budget that the governor had already signed into law on January 2, 2025, following its passage by the now-defunct Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly.
Speaker Amaewhule criticized Fubara’s approach, stating that the Supreme Court ruling had invalidated the actions of the previous Assembly. He further condemned the governor’s directive on local government administration, asserting that the Supreme Court had ruled against non-elected officials managing councils.
Assembly’s Resolution and Recess
During a plenary session at the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt, the lawmakers resolved that the governor must act swiftly to avert a financial crisis in the state. The Assembly also announced a 12-week recess beginning March 7, 2025, during which standing committees will continue their functions.
The Assembly formally communicated its resolutions to the governor, the deputy governor, the state Accountant-General, and the chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Fubara Stands His Ground
Speaking at the inauguration of the Government House Staff Quarters in Port Harcourt, Fubara reassured his supporters that governance would continue despite the political turbulence. He urged Rivers people to take their destinies into their own hands, emphasizing that he would not be intimidated into taking unconstitutional actions.
“No matter how we’ve been fooled in this state, it has gotten to a point when the people have to decide to take their destinies into their hands. Since I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to make a decision, I will lead the course for that decision,” he said.
Fubara reiterated that he was unafraid of any political consequences, emphasizing that his administration would always prioritize good governance over political pressures.
Government Defends Its Decisions
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, defended the governor’s stance, stating that the government had not yet received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court ruling and would act accordingly upon receipt.
He also dismissed the lawmakers’ 48-hour budget directive as undemocratic, arguing that governance is not conducted through ultimatums. On the issue of local government handover, Johnson maintained that governance must continue in the absence of elected officials, citing administrative protocols.
HLGAs Take Over Council Administration
In compliance with the governor’s directive, sacked local government chairmen across the state handed over to HLGAs. Port Harcourt City Local Government Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati, confirmed the transition, stating that governance at the council level would continue despite the political crisis.
Protests and Counter-Protests Erupt
The ongoing power struggle has sparked protests and counter-protests across Rivers State. While Fubara’s supporters took to the streets chanting solidarity songs, Wike’s loyalists mocked the governor’s predicament, emphasizing the reinstated lawmakers’ authority.
Videos circulating on social media captured rival groups engaging in symbolic demonstrations, highlighting the deepening divisions within the state. Supporters of both factions held processions, with Fubara’s backers chanting slogans such as “No Sim, No Network” in a show of loyalty to the governor.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are on the next moves of both the governor and the Assembly, with the fate of the state’s budget and local government administration hanging in the balance.
