By Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, with a notice of alleged gross misconduct. This action intensifies the ongoing political tension between the Assembly and the governor over the delayed presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
The dispute escalated after the Assembly denied receiving any communication from Governor Fubara regarding the budget presentation, despite a Supreme Court directive mandating its re-submission. Fubara, in a letter dated March 13, 2025, had informed Speaker Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule of his intention to present the budget on March 19 or any later date within the month.
Hon. Enemi Alabo George, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, accused the governor of deliberately obstructing the execution of the Supreme Court’s ruling on the state’s political crisis. He specifically pointed out that Fubara failed to comply with the directive to formally re-present the budget to the majority lawmakers.
The Assembly insists that Fubara must provide a stamped and acknowledged copy of the letter he claimed to have sent regarding the budget. Without this, lawmakers argue that the governor has not followed due process.
This latest development deepens the political crisis in Rivers State, as tensions between the executive and legislature continue to grow. Analysts warn that the standoff could significantly impact governance and the implementation of key projects in the state.
With both sides unwilling to back down, the unfolding crisis threatens to disrupt political stability in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
