Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally notified the State House of Assembly of his intention to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill for consideration and approval.
In a letter dated March 13, 2025, addressed to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, the governor expressed his readiness to present the budget on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, or any other date within the month deemed suitable by the Assembly.
This move comes in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment and follows a request from the lawmakers for the governor to re-present the budget.
Fubara recounted a previous attempt to present the budget on March 12, 2025, which was thwarted when he and his entourage were denied access to the Assembly complex despite prior notification.
In his letter, Fubara stated, “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. 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.”
The governor emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional processes, stating,
“The Supreme Court has directed that all arms of government should exercise their powers and perform their duties within the ambits of the Constitution and ordinary laws of our country, and this we must do to end the lingering stalemate and advance the progress of our state and the well-being of our people.”
Fubara also called for unity, adding, “No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts.”
The governor concluded by requesting the Assembly’s cooperation, saying, “Against this background, it is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr. Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, by 11.00 a.m. or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient.”
The re-presentation of the budget is expected to address the ongoing impasse and pave the way for the state’s fiscal planning for the year.