In Rivers State, Governor Similaya Fubara faces a 48-hour ultimatum from the House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget, following a Supreme Court ruling that resolved a leadership crisis. The demand highlights legislative assertiveness and scrutiny of Fubara’s administration amid ongoing political tensions and efforts to address electoral irregularities.
PORT HARCOURT, Rivers — In a dramatic twist that has intensified the political maelstrom in Rivers State, the House of Assembly has given Governor Similaya Fubara a stark ultimatum – a mere 48 hours to present the 2025 budget to the lawmakers.
This move, taken during Monday’s sitting in Port Harcourt, has added yet another layer to an already volatile political landscape.
The genesis of this political showdown can be traced back to Governor Fubara’s signing of the ₦1.1 trillion “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development” on January 2nd.
At the time, the budget was welcomed as a bold attempt to foster development and uplift the state’s economic prospects. However, the political tide turned when the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Speaker Martin Amaewhule-led House, thereby resolving a long-standing leadership crisis that had fractured the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The court’s decision not only restored order to the legislative arm but also threw a spotlight on Governor Fubara’s administration.
With the leadership crisis ostensibly over, lawmakers wasted no time in asserting their constitutional prerogative. In their first sitting post-judgement, they demanded that the governor come forth with a detailed presentation of the budget – a clear sign that the Assembly is unwilling to tolerate any further executive overreach.
This directive is seen as a direct rebuke to Fubara’s earlier actions, which critics claim have sidelined the democratic process.
Adding to the state’s woes, the Supreme Court’s orders have sent shockwaves through the corridors of power. The apex court not only nullified last year’s local government elections but also commanded the Central Bank of Nigeria to withhold allocations to Rivers State, citing non-compliance with court orders.
In a defiant response, Governor Fubara has already mobilised the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to schedule fresh local government elections.
This bold step, aimed at rectifying the electoral anomalies, has been met with both praise and scepticism from various quarters.
The governor’s recent state broadcast was a clarion call for immediate action.
“Given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections,” Fubara declared.
He further instructed the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over power by Monday, 3rd March 2025. Such measures underscore his administration’s urgency in rectifying past procedural lapses, yet critics argue they are mere band-aid solutions to deeper constitutional malaise.
Analysts suggest that the Assembly’s ultimatum is not only about fiscal prudence but also a strategic move to reassert the legislature’s oversight over executive actions.
The decision to demand the budget presentation within 48 hours is being viewed as a litmus test for Governor Fubara’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
In the climate of heightened scrutiny, every move is being dissected by political commentators, civil society, and an increasingly vigilant electorate.
As Rivers State braces for further political skirmishes, the unfolding drama serves as a potent reminder that democratic governance in Nigeria remains a fragile construct.
With the Supreme Court’s recent interventions and the Assembly’s assertive stance, the coming days are set to determine whether the state can steer clear of further constitutional crises or if it will plunge deeper into political uncertainty.
