Rivers Assembly Adjourns Indefinitely As Fubara Submits Fresh Budget Proposal

Rivers Assembly Adjourns Indefinitely As Fubara Submits Fresh Budget Proposal

The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has escalated further as the state House of Assembly adjourned indefinitely after passing three bills into law. This move has intensified concerns over the possible impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by 27 lawmakers allegedly backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The adjournment came despite a fresh letter from Fubara proposing to present the 2025 budget to the lawmakers in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment…………READ MORE

With the Assembly’s adjournment, governance in the state faces potential disruptions. The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed frustration over Wike’s alleged refusal to engage in peace talks and has threatened to disband its reconciliation efforts. Similarly, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has vowed to maintain a peaceful stance despite what it describes as Wike’s provocative remarks against the Ijaw people. Former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) President, Dr. Chris Ekiyo, has warned Wike to be cautious in his comments.

During its plenary session, presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the Rivers House of Assembly passed three key bills: the Rivers State House of Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Bill, 2025; the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) Bill, 2025; and the Rivers State Local Government Bill, 2025. These bills aim to enhance legislative functions, reform electoral processes, and restructure local government administration.

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has reaffirmed his commitment to presenting the 2025 budget, citing constitutional obligations. In a letter dated March 13, 2025, addressed to Speaker Amaewhule, Fubara proposed presenting the budget on March 19, 2025, or any other date deemed suitable by the Assembly. He emphasized that despite his previous attempts to present the budget, he was denied access to the Assembly complex.

The INC and PANDEF have called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and urge Wike to embrace dialogue. INC National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, dismissed Wike’s claim that the Ijaws are a minority group, arguing that they are one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups with significant representation in Rivers State.

PANDEF has warned that if Wike continues to reject reconciliation efforts, the peace committee led by former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, will be dissolved. Attah emphasized that effective negotiations require participation from all parties and urged Tinubu to persuade Wike to engage in discussions.

Additionally, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, has criticized Wike’s handling of the crisis, warning that the instability in Rivers could have far-reaching consequences. He accused Wike of undermining Tinubu’s administration and overstepping his authority, particularly regarding his impeachment threats against Governor Fubara.

In a related development, an Independent Judicial Accountability Panel has raised concerns over the Supreme Court’s judgment on the Rivers political crisis. Retired Justice Mojeed Owoade, who heads the panel, noted that the ruling did not explicitly address the alleged defection of 27 lawmakers, leaving a legal gap in the matter. The panel emphasized that the court should have refrained from commenting on the issue since related litigations were still pending.

As the political tension in Rivers State continues, stakeholders remain divided on the way forward, with calls for dialogue and constitutional adherence gaining prominence.