The Rivers State House of Assembly has adjourned its plenary indefinitely following a request from Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 budget on March 19 or any other convenient date for lawmakers.
The decision was reached on Friday during a plenary session at the assembly quarters in Port Harcourt, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule. The adjournment comes amid deepening political tensions, with the assembly split between factions loyal to Fubara and those aligned with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Fubara had previously attempted to present the budget but was reportedly denied access to the assembly premises. In a letter dated March 13, he referenced the failed attempt, emphasizing his commitment to complying with the Supreme Court’s directive.
“You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, for the presentation of the 2025 Rivers State Budget in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. As you know, the planned presentation of the said budget could not take place because my entourage and I were locked out at the gate and denied entry into the premises despite the prior delivery of a soft copy of the notice to you following the failure of the Clerk to accept the hard copy from us,” the letter read.
The Supreme Court had ordered Fubara to present the budget to the Amaewhule-led faction and directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold the state’s financial allocations until the budget was submitted.
Amid the crisis, Fubara has appealed for peace, stressing his dedication to the state’s progress.
“It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace. The Supreme Court has made its judgment; we don’t have any option but to abide by it, and by the grace of God, we have started the process. We are appealing to the other parties to consider the interest of Rivers State. The only thing that we owe this state is peace and development. I am open any day, any time, for total peace in our State because if I have to govern well, there is a need for peace,” he said.
