By Kolawole Ojebisi
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has initiated steps to present the 2025 Rivers State Budget to the Victor Oko-Jumbo led State House of Assembly, reiterating his commitment to genuine governance which he said will bring improvements to the lives of Rivers residents.
This is as the governor announced that he would present the state’s 2025 budget to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led State House of Assembly.
Fubara noted that it’s only through collaboration with the Assembly that the dividends of democracy that will better the lots of Rivers residents can be delivered.
He added that the positive relationship between the executive and legislative branches was demonstrated in the screening of nominees and the prompt passage of executive bills.
Fubara stated this at the official inauguration of two ultra-modern community town halls and the launch of a tertiary scholarship and empowerment programme by the Speaker at Akiama and Aganya communities in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Edison Ehie, Fubara said, “The government and the people of Rivers State heartily congratulate you and thank you for being a good ambassador of the Ibani Kingdom. We assure you that, as the executive arm, while the legislative arm remains independent, we will continue to collaborate to ensure prosperity for our people.
“I thank you, Mr Speaker, for your support to the Rivers State government, as seen in your cooperation. The Speaker has facilitated the screening of caretaker committee chairmen, expedited executive requests, and will soon play a vital role in enacting the 2025 budget.”
Fubara added that the Speaker’s focus on constituency projects reflects his role as an elected representative, contrasting it with what he called “the inaction of 25 former lawmakers he described as “Abuja-based politicians.”
He continued: “Constituency projects are a testament to elected representatives’ commitment to their people. Meanwhile, the 25 former Assembly members who dismissed themselves — have they initiated any projects? Do we see them inspecting or commissioning anything? These are Abuja-based politicians!”
In his remarks, the Speaker thanked the people of Bonny for their support
during the 10th Assembly and expressed confidence in his support for the State governor.
He stressed that the Assembly would stay focused despite opposition from “enemies of the state” or the 25 former members.
Oko-Jumbo revealed that the 2025 budget would soon be presented to the 10th Assembly and confirmed that Bonny Local Government would be included in upcoming infrastructure projects.
He added, “We will continue working tirelessly to ensure Bonny Kingdom’s development. Many needs remain, but as the Speaker, I assure you that the 2025 budget, which will soon be presented by His Excellency, will include Bonny Local Government.”
Recall that in October, a Federal High Court in Abuja had barred the Central Bank of Nigeria from disbursing further monthly allocations to the Rivers State Government.
In her ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik cited alleged constitutional violations by Governor Fubara.
The judge said Governor Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member House of Assembly breached constitutional protocol.
Abdulmalik further maintained that since January, Rivers State has received and spent allocations based on an “illegitimate” budget, describing this as a “constitutional aberration.”
The court order further restricts the CBN, the Accountant General of the Federation, and the state’s accounts at Zenith Bank and Access Bank from releasing any funds to Fubara.
There has been a rift between Governor Fubara and his erstwhile ally, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The rift has polarised the state Assembly.The judgement issued by the Abuja High Court is believed to be influenced by a powerful politician calling shots in Abuja
