Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has taken another step toward resolving the ongoing political impasse by proposing March 19 as the new date to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule on March 13, the governor recalled his failed attempt to present the budget on March 12, citing restricted access to the Legislative Quarters, which is currently serving as the Assembly complex. He noted that despite prior communication and the delivery of a soft copy of the notice, the Clerk refused to accept the hard copy of the bill.
“We were simply complying with both the order of the Supreme Court and the request by the Rivers State House of Assembly when we came to present the 2025 Budget on March 12,” Fubara wrote.
Acknowledging the Supreme Court’s directive for all arms of government to function within constitutional limits, Fubara reiterated his commitment to peace and development, stating that the interest of the state should take precedence over political conflicts.
“Against this background, I hereby notify you, Mr. Speaker, of my desire to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, March 19, at 11 a.m., or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient,” he added.
Fubara Extends Olive Branch, Calls for Peace
While inaugurating the remodeled Grammar School in Okrika yesterday, Governor Fubara once again called for peace, urging aggrieved lawmakers and stakeholders to cooperate in implementing the Supreme Court judgment.
“The Supreme Court has made its judgment, and we have no option but to abide by it,” he said. “We are appealing to the other parties to consider the interest of Rivers State. I am open any day, any time, for total peace because if I have to govern well, there is a need for peace.”
Assembly Probes Chief Judge Over Alleged Age Falsification
Meanwhile, the political crisis deepened as the Rivers State House of Assembly launched an investigation into the Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, over allegations of age falsification.
At a plenary session, House Leader Major Jack raised the matter, citing Order 23 and presenting a document allegedly proving age falsification in Amadi’s civil service records. The Assembly resolved to write to the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the allegations, emphasizing that age falsification is a serious offence.
Speaker Amaewhule stated that the Assembly is empowered to conduct such investigations under Section 128 of the Constitution. He also expressed concern that the governor had barred heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies from appearing before the House.
“The House is calling on the DSS to investigate the alleged age falsification by the Chief Judge and forward its findings to the National Judicial Council (NJC),” Amaewhule said.
Wike’s Visit Sparks Political Tension
In a related development, former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is set to visit the state for the first time since the Supreme Court ruling. The Ijaw community in Kalabari Kingdom is organizing a grand reception in his honor on March 15.
The event, spearheaded by the group New Associates, will feature a thanksgiving service and a civic reception in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area. According to Dr. Enemi Alabo George, chairman of the publicity committee, the event aims to celebrate Wike’s contributions to the Kalabari people.
“All stakeholders in Kalabari are eagerly waiting to receive the FCT Minister and show him gratitude. March 15 has been set aside to celebrate Chief Nyesom Wike for his love for the Kalabari Kingdom and its people,” George said.
Calls for Peace Intensify
Amid the escalating crisis, the Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), Eastern Zone, has appealed for calm, warning that any move to impeach Governor Fubara would worsen the situation.
In a joint statement, IYC Chairman Ibiso Harry and Secretary John Amos commended President Bola Tinubu for his intervention in the crisis and urged him to continue mediating for a peaceful resolution.
“Anyone threatening to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara is an enemy of the state and interested in creating tension. Such moves will be vehemently resisted,” the group stated.
Similarly, ActionAid Nigeria has expressed concern over the prolonged political unrest, warning that it is affecting governance and economic stability in the state.
“The ongoing turmoil in Rivers State is nothing short of a distraction from governance, which will deepen the suffering of the poor and marginalized,” the organization stated.
