A deepening political impasse in Rivers State has put Governor Siminalayi Fubara at odds with the State House of Assembly, as his attempt to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill faces fresh obstacles.
Governor Fubara had officially written to the House on Thursday after he was locked out of assembly quarters, informing lawmakers of his intention to submit the 2025 budget for deliberation and approval. The letter, dated March 13 and directed to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, proposed March 19, 2025, as the preferred date for the budget presentation, with flexibility for any alternative date within the month deemed suitable by the House.
The governor emphasized that his decision aligned with a Supreme Court ruling and was in response to the House’s earlier request for a fresh presentation of the budget. He wrote, “It is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr. Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 19th March, 2025, by 11 a.m., or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient.”
However, in a move that casts doubt on the feasibility of the governor’s plan, the House of Assembly, during its plenary session on Friday, adjourned its activities indefinitely. The session, presided over by Speaker Amaewhule, concluded with the passage of three bills, which the lawmakers stated would be forwarded to the governor for assent.
A statement issued by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, confirmed the development, noting that the House wrapped up its 136th sitting by passing key legislative bills. Speaker Amaewhule explained, “The House is simply domesticating the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act of 2017, which grants specific powers and protections to the legislature in carrying out its responsibilities.”
Political tension is escalating in Abalama community, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, as rival factions loyal to Governor Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, prepare for separate events at the same venue, sparking fears of a possible clash.
Reports indicate that the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, scheduled its congress at the Abalama Community Secondary School field, while a group of Ijaw stakeholders, known as the New Associates, selected the same venue for a grand reception honoring Wike on Saturday.
The standoff follows remarks attributed to the FCT minister, where he allegedly downplayed the Ijaw ethnic group’s influence in the Niger Delta. In response, the New Associates have mobilized supporters to stage a high-profile reception for Wike in Asari-Toru LGA.
Speaking on the planned event, the Chairman of the group’s Publicity Committee, Dr. Enemi George, expressed enthusiasm about Wike’s visit, noting that traditional rulers, community leaders, women, and youths were eager to welcome him. He described the gathering as a thanksgiving ceremony in recognition of Wike’s contributions to the Kalabari Kingdom.
“He (Wike) has done a lot for the Kalabari people, and it is only fitting that he is celebrated. We are urging all chiefs, leaders, women, youths, and stakeholders of the Kalabari Kingdom to make this day memorable,” George stated.
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Meanwhile, the IYC remains adamant about proceeding with its congress at the same location, insisting that no disruptions will alter their plans.
The situation has triggered widespread anxiety in the community, with some residents contemplating relocation to avoid potential violence between Ijaw youths and security forces accompanying the minister’s entourage. As political tensions rise, many are left questioning whether the state can navigate this crisis without further disruption.
