The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of insincerity in his handling of the 2025 budget presentation.
According to the lawmakers, Fubara claimed to have written to the Assembly, notifying them of his intention to present the budget, but they have not received any correspondence from him.
The Assembly’s spokesman, Enemi George, challenged Fubara to provide an acknowledged copy of the letter he claimed to have sent to the House. George accused Fubara of “playing to the gallery and whipping up public sentiment to vilify the lawmakers.”
The controversy surrounding the budget presentation began after the Supreme Court judgment, which ordered Fubara to present the budget afresh. The Assembly had written to Fubara, urging him to submit the budget for speedy consideration, but he rejected the letter.
Instead of cooperating with the Assembly, Fubara instructed his aides to claim that the letter had been sent via WhatsApp to some members of the Assembly. However, the lawmakers described this method as “awkward, unprofessional, and embarrassing.”
The Assembly has accused Fubara of frustrating their attempts to collaborate and resolve the lingering crisis following the Supreme Court judgment. According to George, the governor’s actions are aimed at dismantling the legislature and ruling unchallenged.
The lawmakers have also alleged that the Supreme Court ruling invalidated the appointments of most state commissioners. In response, the House requested a fresh list for screening, but Fubara refused to comply.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has cautioned against dragging the judiciary into the political crisis. The NBA chairman in Port Harcourt, Cordelia Eke, warned that politicizing the judiciary could erode public trust in the legal system.
