HURIWA endorses Fubara’s budget presentation despite protest by pro-Wike lawmakers

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has given its seal of approval to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, amidst protests from the 27 alleged defected lawmakers loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the association commended Fubara’s resilience and commitment to upholding constitutional provisions, prioritizing the welfare of Rivers State residents.

Recall that towards the twilight of 2024, Fubara unveiled a N1.188 trillion budget, tagged “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,” to the three-man Rivers State House of Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.

At the presentation ceremony, the governor disclosed that the budget allocates over N195 billion for road infrastructure, nearly N31 billion for agricultural transformation and youth farming programmes, N63 billion for education, and N97.75 billion for healthcare projects.

The association praised Fubara for refusing to engage with what it described as “rebellious lawmakers” who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) but sought to undermine his administration.

“HURIWA views the decision of the defected lawmakers to protest the budget presentation as a clear case of political opportunism,” the statement read.

The association also criticised the hypocrisy of Wike’s faction, highlighting Wike’s simultaneous membership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and support for APC-affiliated initiatives.

Onwubiko also expressed concern over allegations of judicial bias in some rulings made by judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which favoured the defected lawmakers.

However, the Court of Appeal subsequently overturned these rulings, reaffirming the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law.

The statement read: “HURIWA reiterated its stance that lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had automatically vacated their seats, as stipulated by Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). It clarified that this constitutional provision mandates that any lawmaker who defects to another political party without a split in their original party forfeits their legislative seat.

“The Rivers State High Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Charles Wali, had earlier affirmed this position in its ruling in May 2024. The court declared the seats of the defected lawmakers vacant and issued an interim injunction restraining them from parading themselves as members of the House or conducting any legislative activities. This decision effectively nullified attempts by the defected lawmakers to regain control of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“HURIWA praised Governor Fubara for refusing to engage with the rebellious lawmakers who, despite defecting to the APC, sought to undermine his administration. The association noted the hypocrisy of Wike’s faction, as Wike himself claims membership in the PDP while simultaneously supporting APC-affiliated initiatives. This political duplicity has exposed the selfish and opportunistic tendencies of some Nigerian politicians.”

He also applauded Fubara’s fiscal prudence, noting the state’s record-breaking internally generated revenue (IGR), which increased by N100 billion in 2024.

He, however, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections promptly to fill the vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, as declared by the court.

“INEC must act swiftly to restore full representation to the affected constituencies, ensuring that democratic processes are upheld,” HURIWA added.

Onwubiko applauded the governor’s unwavering dedication to the Constitution and his focus on delivering democratic dividends to the people of Rivers State, which they claim set an exemplary standard for governance in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the association urged Rivers residents to remain supportive of Fubara’s administration, emphasizing that unity and resilience are critical to ensuring the continued progress and prosperity of the state.

“HURIWA urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-elections promptly to fill the vacant seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the statement added.

He encouraged Fubara to continue prioritising the welfare of Rivers State.