On March 12, 2025, a significant development unfolded in Rivers State as a letter penned by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the Rivers State House of Assembly surfaced, shedding light on his intentions to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill. This communication, dated March 11, 2025, was directed to Speaker Martin Amaewhule and titled “Presentation of the Rivers State 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly.” The emergence of this letter has sparked discussions across political and public spheres, particularly given the ongoing tensions between the governor and the state legislature.
.jpg)
Context of the Letter
Governor Fubara’s letter comes in the wake of a Supreme Court judgment that recognized 27 lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Fubara’s predecessor, as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The apex court’s ruling also mandated the governor to present the state’s budget to this recognized Assembly, a directive aimed at resolving the political crisis that has plagued Rivers State. The letter indicates Fubara’s attempt to comply with this judicial order, signaling his intent to present the 2025 budget on March 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
However, the letter has stirred controversy due to its delivery to the Assembly complex on Moscow Road, which was bombed in the previous year and is no longer in use. The lawmakers have since been holding their sessions at the legislative quarters on Aba Road. This misdirection has raised questions about the communication process and the governor’s adherence to protocol, intensifying the political friction in the state.
Contents of the Letter
In the letter, Governor Fubara referenced a statewide broadcast he delivered on March 2, 2025, where he expressed his administration’s commitment to implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment as soon as the certified true copy (CTC) of the ruling was received. He noted that a consultative meeting scheduled for March 10, 2025, with the Assembly to discuss the judgment’s implications did not take place, describing the absence of this meeting as unfortunate. Despite this setback, Fubara emphasized his administration’s resolve to proceed with the budget presentation, now that the CTC of the Supreme Court judgment had been obtained.
The letter formally notified Speaker Amaewhule of the governor’s desire to present the 2025 Rivers State Appropriation Bill on March 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Fubara concluded the communication by thanking the Assembly for considering his request and extending his regards to the Speaker, a gesture aimed at fostering cooperation amid the strained relations.
Political Implications and Reactions
The surfacing of Fubara’s letter has elicited varied responses from political stakeholders in Rivers State. Supporters of the governor view it as evidence of his commitment to adhering to the Supreme Court’s directive and ensuring the state’s budgetary process moves forward. They argue that the letter demonstrates good faith and a willingness to engage with the legislature, despite the logistical error in addressing it to the defunct Moscow Road complex.
Conversely, critics, including some members of the Assembly and allies of Nyesom Wike, have dismissed the letter as inadequate and procedurally flawed. Wike himself, during a media chat in Abuja on March 12, 2025, labeled the letter as “useless,” arguing that Fubara should have directly contacted Speaker Amaewhule by phone to arrange a meeting rather than relying solely on a formal letter. Wike’s remarks underscore the deep-seated animosity between the two leaders, with the former governor accusing Fubara of insincerity in seeking peace and reconciliation in the state.
The Assembly, led by Amaewhule, had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum on March 3, 2025, demanding that Fubara present the 2025 budget. The lawmakers’ decision to lock the gates of the legislative quarters on Aba Road when Fubara arrived to present the budget on March 12 suggests a deliberate rebuff, further escalating tensions. Security personnel at the complex cited a lack of official communication as the reason for denying the governor entry, a claim that Fubara contested, stating he had both written to and attempted to contact the Speaker beforehand.
Broader Context of the Rivers State Political Crisis
The budget presentation saga is a microcosm of the broader political crisis in Rivers State, which pits Governor Fubara against Nyesom Wike and his loyalists in the Assembly. The Supreme Court’s judgment not only reinstated the 27 Wike-aligned lawmakers but also nullified the local government elections held in 2024 and ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to withhold federal allocations to Rivers State until the budget is properly presented and approved. This ruling has placed significant pressure on Fubara’s administration to comply with legal and legislative requirements.
Fubara’s earlier presentation of a N1.188 trillion 2025 budget to a faction of the Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo on December 30, 2024, was met with condemnation from the Amaewhule-led faction and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, who deemed it illegal and a violation of court orders. The APC, under the leadership of Tony Okocha, has warned of escalating political tensions in 2025, accusing Fubara of disregarding judicial pronouncements and fostering division rather than reconciliation.
Public and Media Sentiment
Posts on X and reports from various news outlets reflect a polarized sentiment regarding Fubara’s letter and the subsequent events. Some users and commentators have highlighted video evidence showing the letter being delivered to the Speaker’s office, contradicting claims of improper communication. Others have criticized the Assembly’s refusal to allow the budget presentation, viewing it as an obstruction of governance in the state. Meanwhile, mainstream media outlets have focused on the political implications, with some framing the incident as a test of Fubara’s leadership and others emphasizing Wike’s influence over the Assembly.
Looking Ahead
The surfacing of Governor Fubara’s letter to the Rivers State House of Assembly underscores the complexities of the state’s political landscape as of March 12, 2025. While the letter was intended to facilitate the presentation of the 2025 budget in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive, its misdirection and the Assembly’s response have only deepened the rift between the executive and legislative branches. The ongoing standoff raises questions about the feasibility of achieving a resolution in the near term and the potential impact on governance and development in Rivers State.
For residents and observers, the priority remains ensuring that the budgetary process is completed to secure federal allocations and support the state’s economic and social programs. However, with both sides entrenched in their positions, the path forward appears uncertain. As the situation evolves, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether dialogue and cooperation can prevail over confrontation and political brinkmanship.
In conclusion, Governor Fubara’s letter, while a step toward fulfilling legal obligations, has instead highlighted the challenges of navigating Rivers State’s turbulent political waters. The resolution of this impasse will require not only adherence to judicial rulings but also a genuine commitment to collaboration and peace-building among the state’s leaders. Until then, the people of Rivers State remain caught in the crossfire of this high-stakes power struggle.
Post a Comment
0Comments