Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has once again written to the Rivers State House of Assembly, proposing Wednesday, 19 March 2025, as the new date for the presentation of the state’s 2025 budget.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara recalled his previous attempt to present the budget on 12 March, which was unsuccessful after he was denied entry into the Assembly premises.

He stated that despite having previously submitted a soft copy of the notice and attempting to deliver a hard copy through the clerk, he and his entourage were locked out.

The governor emphasised that his attempt was in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment, which had mandated the Assembly to carry out its duties within constitutional limits.

He also reminded the Speaker that the House had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the presentation of the budget, even before he was served with a certified true copy of the judgment and enrolled orders.

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Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to governance despite the ongoing political crisis in the state and urged all arms of government to operate within legal and constitutional frameworks for the benefit of the people.

“No matter the depth of our differences, the interests of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts,” he stated.

The letter formally notified the Speaker of his intention to present the budget on 19 March at 11:00 a.m. or at any other time deemed convenient by the House.

Governor Fubara expressed hope that the Assembly would consider his request favourably.

There has been an ongoing back-and-forth between the governor and the lawmakers following the Supreme Court’s ruling that ordered him to present the 2025 budget to the State Assembly, led by Amaewhule.

The situation escalated dramatically at the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters on Wednesday when Governor Fubara arrived at the venue, only to find the entrance gate locked.

Security personnel stationed at the quarters had locked the gates upon the governor’s arrival, citing a lack of official communication between the governor and the Assembly. However, Governor Fubara insisted that he had duly informed the lawmakers of his arrival.

On Thursday, the governor appealed to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to prioritise the interests of the people and embrace peace to resolve the state’s political impasse.

“It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace,” Fubara said while commissioning projects in Okrika Local Government Area.

The governor stressed the need for stability to enable effective governance and urged all dissatisfied political actors in the state to set aside their grievances and commit to implementing the Supreme Court’s 28 February 2025 ruling.

“The Supreme Court has given its judgment; we have no choice but to abide by it. By the special grace of God, we have begun the process.

“We appeal to all parties to consider the interests of Rivers State. The only thing we owe this state is peace and development.

“I am open to total peace in our state at any time, as peace is essential for me to govern effectively,” the governor said.