In a dramatic turn of events, the Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, demanding that he re-present the 2025 budget for legislative approval. This development comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that upended the political structure in the state, affirming Martin Amaewhule and his faction as the legitimate lawmakers.
The directive was handed down during a heated plenary session in Port Harcourt on Monday, March 3, 2025. Lawmakers aligned with Amaewhule insisted that Fubara must comply with constitutional processes, warning that failure to do so could lead to further legal and financial consequences for the state.
At the heart of the controversy is the ₦1.188 trillion budget that Fubara had hurriedly signed into law on January 2, 2025, following an approval by a rival faction of the Assembly loyal to him. The governor’s move, which was seen as an attempt to sidestep opposition, has now been called into question, with the Assembly arguing that proper legislative procedures must be followed.
Adding to the pressure, the Supreme Court recently directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold Rivers State’s allocations until all legal disputes are resolved. This financial blockade, if enforced, could cripple the state’s operations, making immediate compliance with the Assembly’s directive all the more crucial.
Political analysts see this latest development as a major test of Fubara’s leadership and his ability to navigate the turbulent political waters of Rivers State. While the governor has yet to issue a formal response, sources within Government House indicate that legal and political consultations are underway.
With the 48-hour deadline ticking down, all eyes are on Rivers State, as the battle for control over its legislative and executive arms reaches a critical juncture. Will Governor Fubara bow to the Assembly’s demands, or will this power struggle escalate further? The coming days will determine the political and economic fate of the oil-rich state.