Fubara writes Amaewhule again, seeks to present 2025 budget next week

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has again written to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, notifying him of his intention to present the 2025 budget to the Assembly on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, by 11 a.m. or on any other date within March that he may consider convenient.

In a letter dated March 13, 2025, and titled “Re: Notice of Presentation of Rivers State 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the governor stated that he was complying with both the order of the Supreme Court and the request of the Rivers State House of Assembly when he attempted to present the 2025 budget on March 12, 2025.

However, he was locked out at the gate and denied entry into the premises despite having previously delivered a soft copy of the notice to the Speaker, due to the Clerk’s failure to accept the hard copy.

In his earlier letter to the Speaker, dated March 11, 2025, and titled “Presentation of the Rivers State Budget to the State House of Assembly,” which surfaced online, the governor had informed the Speaker of his visit on March 12, 2025, which was, however, unsuccessful.

Fubara further recalled that before the unfortunate incident, the House had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2025 budget, even though he had yet to be served with the certified true copy of the judgment and accompanying enrolled orders.

The governor emphasized that, regardless of the depth of their differences (executive and legislature), he believes the interests of the state and its people should take priority over political conflicts.

He stated, “The Supreme Court has directed that all arms of government should exercise their powers and perform their duties within the ambits of the Constitution and ordinary laws of our country, and this we must do to end the lingering stalemate and advance the progress of our state and the well-being of our people.”

The governor added that his efforts are in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, thanking the Speaker for his kind consideration of the request.