Rivers Assembly suspends plenary indefinitely amid budget presentation dispute
By Dooyum Naadzenga
The Rivers State House of Assembly has announced an indefinite adjournment of its sittings, complicating Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s intention to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
This unexpected move follows a letter from the governor addressed to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, in which he proposed to present the budget on March 19, 2025.
The governor’s plans comply with a recent Supreme Court judgment aimed at resolving ongoing political tensions in the state.
The situation escalated when Governor Fubara was denied entry to the Assembly complex on March 12, despite having given prior notice of his visit. This denial occurred just days before the planned budget presentation, raising questions about the Assembly’s commitment to fulfilling its legislative duties.
The adjournment is particularly concerning as local government workers have yet to receive their February salaries, heightening worries about the state’s financial management and budgetary process.
READ ALSO: Customs seizes N1.86bn undeclared foreign currency at Kano Airport
In his letter, Fubara emphasized that his decision to re-present the budget was not only a response to the Assembly’s request but also a necessary step to comply with the Supreme Court’s directive. He recalled the difficulties faced during his previous attempt to present the budget, where he and his team were locked out of the Assembly premises.
The incident reflects the ongoing rift between the governor and the Assembly, which has now reached a critical point.
The indefinite suspension of plenary sessions poses significant challenges for the state government, particularly regarding the timely passage of the budget. With the adjournment, there are growing concerns about how this delay will affect essential services and the payment of salaries to local government employees. Many are questioning the implications of this political standoff on the overall governance of Rivers State.
Analysts have noted that the adjournment heightens the deepening political crisis in the state, as both the governor and the Assembly grapple for power and control.
The situation underscores the necessity for dialogue and cooperation among all branches of government to ensure the effective functioning of the state. Failure to resolve these issues could lead to further disruptions in governance and public service delivery.
As the standoff continues, the people of Rivers State remain anxious about the future of their governance and the welfare of local government workers. The governor’s commitment to presenting the budget remains unfulfilled, and the Assembly’s indefinite suspension raises critical questions about the legislative process and the political landscape in the region. Stakeholders are urging both parties to engage in constructive dialogue to address the budgetary impasse and restore normalcy to the state’s governance.
