The Rivers State House of Assembly has responded to allegations that Governor Siminalayi Fubara was prevented from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
The Assembly stated it never received a formal request from the governor to present the budget.
Dr. Enemi George, the Assembly’s spokesperson and Chairman of the House Committee on Information, described Fubara’s assertion as a “comedy skit” intended to tarnish the lawmakers’ reputation.
He recalled that on March 3, the House officially requested the governor to present the 2025 budget for approval following a ruling by the Supreme Court.
“We were the ones who, immediately after that judgement, appealed to the governor to bring forward his appropriation bill,” George stated. “We acted promptly because we have the state’s best interests at heart and did not want Rivers people to suffer any repercussions.”
He underscored that despite various challenges—including the demolition of their chambers and the non-payment of their allowances for over a year—the lawmakers remained dedicated to passing the budget to ensure the state’s smooth operation.
“We outlined our intentions in that letter and even provided a timeframe due to the urgency of the situation. Additionally, we urged him during our subsequent sitting to submit the names of his nominees for commissioners and board members for screening and confirmation,” he added.
George further claimed that Fubara neglected their requests and refused to accept official Assembly documents.
“We dispatched Assembly staff to deliver these resolutions to him, but they were routinely turned away at the gate and even faced intimidation. We then resorted to using a courier service, yet he continued to ignore our calls,” he explained.
According to him, the lawmakers had intended to complete the budget process by March 15 to facilitate the release of Rivers State’s allocations by the end of the month.
“But given his actions, we are left wondering what he aims to achieve. How can he allege that we obstructed him from re-presenting his budget? This is the pinnacle of insincerity,” George said.
The House spokesperson insisted that the letter Fubara claimed to have sent to the Speaker was never received. Lawmakers only encountered a copy of the letter circulating on social media after their meeting on Wednesday.
“Even the letter trending online was dated March 11. Does this mean the governor allegedly sent a letter on Tuesday—when no one knows—and then immediately appeared at the Assembly premises on Wednesday morning, claiming he came to present his budget? That alone undermines his assertion,” he stated.
George argued that proper procedure necessitated the governor waiting for lawmakers to acknowledge receipt of his request and formally invite him for the budget presentation.
“Governor Fubara should understand this if he is sincere. However, we wish to reaffirm that this Assembly will continue to uphold the rule of law and remain dedicated to safeguarding the interests of Rivers State,” he declared.
He urged the governor to act responsibly, ensuring that Rivers people do not suffer due to political discord.
“We call on him to take the necessary actions so that Rivers people can breathe. He is jeopardising the lives and livelihoods of the citizens,” George concluded.
