- Lawmakers demand fresh budget presentation, allege executive interference
The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of deliberately obstructing the implementation of a Supreme Court judgment, particularly its directive for him to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Sunday, the Assembly’s Committee Chairman on Information, Dr. Enemi George, claimed the governor was evading due process and urged the public to demand compliance instead of being swayed by what he called “political theatrics.”
George dismissed Fubara’s claim of having sent a letter to the House seeking to present the budget, stating that no such document had been received. He criticized the governor’s alleged attempt to send official communication via WhatsApp, calling it “unprofessional and embarrassing.”
“As of this moment, no letter from the governor exists before the House. If such a letter was truly sent, let him provide an acknowledged copy,” George challenged. He accused the governor of attempting to manipulate public sentiment against the legislature, rather than genuinely seeking legislative approval for the budget.
The Assembly, loyal to former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, expressed frustration over the executive’s reluctance to engage constructively. George revealed that after the Supreme Court judgment, lawmakers formally invited the governor to present the budget to facilitate the release of federal funds to the state. However, their correspondence was allegedly rejected at the Government House, forcing them to use a courier service—yet no response came.
He also accused the governor of directing ministries and agencies to cut communication with the Assembly, further straining governance in the state.
Beyond the budget, George lamented the Assembly’s suffering amid the crisis, stating that their allowances had been withheld for over a year and their legislative complex had been demolished under the governor’s watch. “We have endured immense hardship. Our chamber was burned down. Our Speaker’s residence was attacked. Our legislative quarters were invaded,” he said.
Despite these grievances, George insisted the lawmakers remain committed to the state’s welfare, warning that the ongoing impasse could negatively impact pensioners, teachers, healthcare workers, and students who depend on public services.
He urged Rivers people to hold the governor accountable. “Our state must not suffer because of political ego. Let us all call on the governor to do the right thing,” he appealed.
