Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has made a renewed appeal to the State House of Assembly, proposing to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill. In a letter dated March 13, addressed to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, the governor suggested that the budget presentation take place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, or on any other date in March that the Assembly might find suitable.
This latest request follows a tumultuous week during which Fubara’s attempt to present the budget was thwarted. Earlier, in an incident that raised eyebrows, security personnel at the Rivers State House of Assembly had allegedly locked the main gate to prevent the governor and his entourage from entering the complex. This action was reportedly based on the assertion that there had been no official communication from the governor’s office regarding the visit prior to the scheduled budget presentation.
Governor Fubara emphasized that the decision to re-present the budget aligns with the Supreme Court’s ruling and is a response to the Assembly’s earlier calls for him to present the financial plan. He expressed concern over the recent difficulties faced while trying to fulfill his duty, recalling the “bitter experience” of being denied access to the Assembly premises.
As the political landscape in Rivers State continues to be fraught with tension, this proposal for a new budget presentation date marks a pivotal moment. It aims to address the ongoing challenges and facilitate the timely approval of the state’s financial plans. With the governor set to re-engage with lawmakers, anticipation builds as the 2025 budget’s fate hangs in the balance.
