The Rivers State House of Assembly has adjourned its plenary sessions indefinitely following a request by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 budget on March 19 or at a date convenient for the lawmakers. The decision was reached during a plenary session held at the assembly quarters in Port Harcourt on Friday, March 15, 2025.
The adjournment comes amid a deepening political crisis in the state, which has polarized the assembly into factions loyal to Governor Fubara and those aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Governor’s Budget Presentation Request
Governor Fubara had written to the assembly, proposing a new date for the presentation of the 2025 appropriation bill after a previous attempt to access the assembly quarters was blocked. In a letter dated March 13, the governor expressed frustration over being denied entry to the assembly premises on March 12, despite prior notification.
“You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, for the presentation of the 2025 Rivers State Budget in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the letter read.
“As you know, the planned presentation of the said budget could not take place because my entourage and I were locked out at the gate and denied entry into the premises despite the prior delivery of a soft copy of the notice to you following the failure of the Clerk to accept the hard copy from us.”
Supreme Court Mandate
The Supreme Court had earlier directed Governor Fubara to present the state budget to the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the assembly. The court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold Rivers State’s financial allocations until the budget was presented.
The adjournment by the assembly has further complicated the situation, raising concerns about the timely passage of the budget and its implications for the state’s development.
Governor’s Call for Peace
Amid the ongoing political crisis, Governor Fubara has expressed his commitment to peace and development in Rivers State. In a recent statement, he emphasized the importance of adhering to the Supreme Court’s judgment and fostering unity among stakeholders.
“It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace. The Supreme Court has made its judgment; we don’t have any option but to abide by it, and by the grace of God, we have started the process,” Fubara said.
“We are appealing to the other parties to consider the interest of Rivers State. The only thing that we owe this state is peace and development. I am open any day, any time, for total peace in our State because if I have to govern well, there is a need for peace.”
Political Tensions Escalate
The political rift between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and current FCT Minister, has been a major source of tension in Rivers State. The crisis has not only divided the state assembly but also threatened governance and development initiatives.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are calling for dialogue and compromise to resolve the impasse and ensure the timely passage of the 2025 budget.