Again, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is set to present the 2025 budget to a three-member faction of the State Assembly, ignoring Court verdict.
This move comes despite a recent Federal High Court ruling that deemed last year’s budget presentation to the same three-member body invalid.
Since October 2023, Rivers State has faced political unrest following an attempted impeachment of Fubara by a faction loyal to Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. An explosion subsequently damaged the state assembly complex, deepening the crisis.
Fubara, expressing confidence in his relationship with the 10th Assembly under Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, has praised the Assembly’s quick action on executive bills and stated he expects similar support for the 2025 budget. At recent events in Bonny Local Government Area, Fubara emphasized his administration’s partnership with the assembly and criticized the 25 lawmakers aligned with Wike as “Abuja-based politicians” disconnected from their constituents.
In a related thanksgiving service on Sunday, Fubara expressed gratitude for the challenges his administration has faced, seeing them as a “divine redirection” for Rivers State. He pledged continued governance under “the fear of God,” assured of his administration’s resilience amid adversity, and donated N100 million to support local church initiatives.