By Hagxy Don
The political deadlock in Rivers State took another turn as Governor Siminalayi Fubara formally reached out to the faction of the State House of Assembly loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, seeking a fresh opportunity to present the 2025 budget. This follows a Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the constitutional roles of all arms of government in the ongoing crisis.
In a letter dated March 13, 2025, and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the governor proposed March 19 as the new date for the budget presentation. However, he left room for flexibility, allowing the lawmakers to select another suitable date within the month. This move is widely seen as an attempt to break the legislative impasse that has stalled the state’s financial planning and governance.
Fubara's previous attempt to re-present the budget had been met with stiff resistance, as he was physically prevented from accessing the Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt, a development that underscored the deep political divide within the state legislature. The standoff, which has its roots in the power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor-turned-political adversary, Wike, has left governance in limbo, with both camps jostling for control.
In his latest letter, the governor invoked the authority of the Supreme Court’s directive, emphasizing that all arms of government must operate within constitutional frameworks to ensure stability. “No matter our differences, the interests of the state and its people must come first,” Fubara asserted, striking a conciliatory tone in a bid to ease tensions.
Observers believe this fresh outreach may signal a willingness by the governor to de-escalate hostilities and find common ground with the legislature. However, the response of the pro-Wike lawmakers remains uncertain, as their allegiance to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former governor, Wike, has been unwavering.
The upcoming days will determine whether the budget presentation proceeds smoothly or if Rivers State will remain embroiled in the ongoing political chess game. For now, the ball is in the court of Speaker Amaewhule and his colleagues, whose response will shape the next chapter of the state's governance.
