Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has written a fresh letter to the State House of Assembly, seeking to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill after being denied access during his initial attempt.
In the letter dated March 13 and addressed to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, Fubara proposed presenting the budget on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., or on any other suitable date within the month.
The governor reminded the Assembly of the events of March 12, when he and his entourage were locked out of the legislative complex despite prior notice of his visit.
He urged the lawmakers to put the interest of the state above political differences.
“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,” Fubara wrote.
He noted that his administration was only acting in accordance with both the Supreme Court’s ruling and the Assembly’s earlier 48-hour ultimatum for the budget’s presentation. However, he lamented that they were prevented from carrying out their constitutional duty.
The letter read, “The Supreme Court has directed that all arms of government should exercise their powers and perform their duties within the ambits of the Constitution and ordinary laws of our country, and this we must do to end the lingering stalemate and advance the progress of our state and the well-being of our people.
“No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts.
“Against this background, it is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr. Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, by 11.00 a.m. or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient.”
“Thank you for the kind consideration of my request by the House, and please accept, Mr. Speaker, the assurance of my highest regards,” Fubara added.
