...As Fubara present letter to present 2025 budget
The political tension in Rivers State continues to rise, with the latest being an indefinite adjournment of sitting at the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Fubara had on Thursday written a fresh letter to the House, informing the lawmakers of his intention to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill for consideration and approval.
The letter addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara, recalled his earlier attempt to present the budget on March 12, which was unsuccessful due to being denied entry into the assembly premises.
He stated that despite prior delivery of a soft copy notice and efforts to submit a hard copy through the clerk, he and his entourage were locked out.
The governor emphasised that his attempt complied with a Supreme Court judgment, which he noted had also mandated the Assembly to carry out its functions within constitutional boundaries.
He also reminded the Speaker that the House had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the presentation of the budget, even before he was served with a certified true copy of the judgment and enrolled orders.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to governance despite the political crisis in the state.
He urged all arms of government to exercise their duties within legal and constitutional frameworks for the good of the people.
“No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts,” he stated.
However, in a Friday statement by the media aide to the Speaker, Martins Wachukwu, the lawmakers said they had adjourned sitting “indefinitely”, signalling the conclusion of the current legislative session.
“This adjournment allows lawmakers to focus on the implementation of the newly passed laws and other pressing matters before returning to the House,” the statement wrote in part.
They did not set a date for reconvening.
The move followed the passage of three bills into law.
The bills were formally presented to Amaewhule during a recent legislative session.
Following their presentation, the Speaker emphasised that the three bills are designed to bolster the state’s legal capacity, paving the way for progress and development.
Key Highlights of the Bills:
- Rivers State Powers and Privileges Bill 2025*: This bill aims to define and protect the powers and privileges of the State House of Assembly, ensuring its autonomy and effectiveness in carrying out legislative duties.
- Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Bill 2025: Focused on electoral reforms, this bill seeks to establish an independent electoral commission to oversee local government elections, promoting transparency and fairness in the democratic process.
- Rivers State Local Government Bill 2025: This legislation is geared toward strengthening local government administration, empowering grassroots governance, and ensuring efficient service delivery to communities across the state.
“The passage of these bills marks a milestone in the legislative agenda of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, in his remarks, reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws that address the needs of the people and drive the state toward sustainable development.
“Following the successful passage of the bills, the House adjourned indefinitely, signalling the conclusion of the current legislative session without a set date for reconvening. This adjournment allows lawmakers to focus on the implementation of the newly passed laws and other pressing matters before returning to the House.
“This legislative achievement underscores the Rivers State government’s dedication to improving governance and creating a robust legal framework to support the state’s growth. As these new laws take effect, residents of Rivers State can look forward to enhanced governance structures, more transparent electoral processes, and stronger local government systems,” the lawmakers’ statement added.
