Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally written to the State House of Assembly, notifying them of his intention to present the 2025 budget.
This comes less than eight hours after the state’s Chief Judge was placed under investigation over allegations of age falsification.
Governor Fubara had attempted to present the budget on March 12, 2025, but was reportedly denied entry into the Assembly Complex.
The House spokesman, Hon. Enemi George, had cited the governor’s failure to formally communicate with the legislators as the reason for the rejection.
In a letter titled “Notice of Presentation of Rivers State 2025 Budget to Rivers State House of Assembly,” and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the governor recounted the events of his failed attempt.
He stated that despite submitting a soft copy of the notice, the Clerk of the House had refused to accept the hard copy.
Fubara emphasized that his attempt to present the budget was in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment, which directed all arms of government to operate within constitutional and legal frameworks.
He further noted that the Assembly had issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the budget presentation, even though his administration had not yet received a certified true copy of the court ruling.
Acknowledging political tensions, the governor urged lawmakers to put the interests of the state and its citizens above political differences.
He then proposed a new date for the budget presentation—Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.—but left room for the Assembly to suggest an alternative date within the month.
It remains to be seen whether the Rivers State House of Assembly will respond to the governor’s latest request, given the extended timeframe for the budget presentation.