The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as Governor Siminalayi Fubara formally notifies the State House of Assembly of his intention to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The governor’s letter, dated March 11, 2025, and addressed to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has sparked fresh controversy because it was directed to the Assembly complex on Moscow Road, which was bombed last year, instead of the legislative quarters on Aba Road where the lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have been holding their sessions.
This latest development comes against the backdrop of an intense power struggle that has defined the political landscape of Rivers State for months. The rift between Governor Fubara and the lawmakers, who are widely seen as allies of his predecessor, Wike, has left the state in a governance crisis. While the governor insists that his administration remains committed to the rule of law and the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, the refusal of the legislators to attend a scheduled consultative meeting on March 10 has cast further doubts on the possibility of a resolution.
In his letter, Governor Fubara reminded the lawmakers of his earlier statewide broadcast, in which he expressed his administration’s readiness to fully comply with the Supreme Court ruling on the ongoing political dispute. He stated that his government had been waiting for the Certified True Copy of the judgment to proceed with implementing the court’s decision. Now that the document has been received, he said he is prepared to take the necessary steps to fulfill his constitutional duties.
The governor noted that his attempt to hold a meeting with the legislators to discuss the implementation of the judgment and chart a way forward for the state was unsuccessful because they failed to honor his invitation. Despite this setback, he has decided to move forward with the presentation of the 2025 budget, scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on March 12. He emphasized that the economic and developmental aspirations of the people of Rivers State cannot be delayed by political disagreements and called on all parties to put the interests of the state first.
This move has, however, raised several questions about the feasibility of the budget presentation and whether it will be acknowledged by the lawmakers. The decision to direct the letter to the Moscow Road Assembly complex, which was destroyed and has remained unused since the height of the crisis, is being interpreted as a challenge to the legitimacy of the lawmakers’ current meeting venue on Aba Road. Analysts believe this could escalate the already tense situation, as the legislators may view it as an attempt to undermine their authority.
The lawmakers, who are loyal to Wike, have continued to operate independently from Governor Fubara, holding their sessions at the legislative quarters in Aba Road and asserting their control over legislative proceedings in the state. The Supreme Court’s recognition of their legitimacy strengthened their position, making it uncertain how they will respond to the governor’s budget presentation. If they choose to reject it or question the process, the standoff could deepen, leading to further legal and political battles.
The crisis has already slowed governance in Rivers State, with many critical projects stalled due to the political deadlock. Residents are increasingly worried about the impact on essential government functions, as the inability of both sides to work together threatens to paralyze the administration. Business leaders have also expressed concerns about the uncertainty, warning that continued instability could affect investor confidence and economic activities in the state.
Governor Fubara’s insistence on proceeding with the budget presentation, despite the ongoing impasse, suggests that he is determined to assert his authority and move forward with his administration’s plans. However, the question remains whether the lawmakers will cooperate or push back against his decision. If they choose the latter, Rivers State could be heading toward an even more complex political showdown that may require further intervention from the judiciary or the presidency.
As the scheduled budget presentation approaches, all eyes are on Rivers State to see how the political players will respond. Will the lawmakers attend and participate in the process, or will they challenge the validity of the presentation? Will this move bring an end to the crisis, or will it deepen the division between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state? The coming days will determine the future of governance in Rivers and whether peace will finally return to the state’s political arena.
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