By Parrot Newspaper 
Rivers Assembly Gives Fubara 48 Hours to Submit 2025 Budget
By Parrot Newspaper
The political turmoil in Rivers State deepened on Monday as the state’s House of Assembly gave Governor Siminalayi Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to present the 2025 budget. This latest development follows a Supreme Court ruling that restored Martin Amaewhule and his faction as the legitimate lawmakers of the state assembly.
A Budget in Controversy
Governor Fubara had previously signed the ₦1.1 trillion budget into law on January 2, 2025, after presenting it to lawmakers led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. However, the legitimacy of that process was questioned due to the assembly’s division at the time. With the Supreme Court ruling now affirming Amaewhule’s leadership, the reinstated lawmakers insist that the governor must re-present the budget to them for proper legislative scrutiny.
This demand is not just a procedural issue—it is a reflection of the ongoing power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The battle for political dominance in Rivers State has seen several legal and political maneuvers, including court rulings and direct federal interventions.
Supreme Court’s Intervention and Fiscal Implications
The Supreme Court’s ruling has broader implications beyond legislative control. The court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold federal allocations to Rivers State for failing to comply with previous court orders. This decision could significantly affect governance and project execution in the state, especially if the financial standoff persists.
Additionally, the court nullified the local government elections conducted last year, leading Fubara to direct the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to organize fresh elections. In the interim, he has ordered the Heads of Local Government Administration to take over from the outgoing chairmen.
The Bigger Picture
The ultimatum given to Fubara underscores the shifting power dynamics in Rivers State. If he complies, it could be seen as an acceptance of the assembly’s legitimacy under Amaewhule. If he refuses, it may escalate the standoff, possibly leading to further legal and political consequences.
As the 48-hour deadline looms, all eyes remain on Port Harcourt to see how Governor Fubara will navigate this latest political storm.