The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has presented the 2025 budget proposal, tagged the Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development, to the Rivers State House of Assembly. The budget, totaling N1.18 trillion, prioritizes key sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Governor Fubara made the presentation to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led House of Assembly, which comprises four members. During Monday’s plenary, Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo had earlier read the governor’s letter requesting permission to present the appropriation bill as he shared it on his x handle.
This marks the second budget presentation by Fubara since assuming office. In 2023, he proposed an N800 billion 2024 appropriation bill to a similarly reduced Assembly, which at the time was led by factional Speaker Edison Ehie.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since the defection of 27 members, including then-Speaker Martin Amaewhule, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection triggered political and legal disputes, leading to the demolition of parts of the Assembly complex and a division within the legislature.
Following these events, Edison Ehie resigned from the Assembly and was appointed Chief of Staff to the Government House. The remaining three legislators—Victor Oko-Jumbo (Speaker), Adolphus Timothy (Deputy Speaker), and Sokari Goodboy (House Leader)—cited Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution to assert their legitimacy and continued to function as the Assembly’s leadership.
Meanwhile, the defected members, under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, have since returned to the PDP and held parallel sessions opposing the government’s policies.
The legislative rift has had significant implications for governance in Rivers State. Both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal nullified the N800 billion 2024 appropriation bill, halting its implementation.
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Despite these challenges, the Fubara-led administration has reiterated its commitment to advancing prosperity for the people of Rivers State. The 2025 budget seeks to address critical developmental needs and foster inclusive growth amidst the ongoing political and legislative uncertainties.
