The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, has taken a decisive step by halting all expenditures by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration until he presents the 2024 budget before the lawmakers. This action was unanimously agreed upon during Monday’s plenary session following the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum given to the governor.
Major Jack, the Leader of the House, informed the assembly about the deadline set for Governor Fubara to submit the budget. After deliberations, the House voted to shut down the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Account, effectively preventing the governor from accessing state funds until the budget is presented and approved.
The Amaewhule-led Assembly had issued the ultimatum on July 8, 2024, accusing Governor Fubara of violating constitutional provisions. A letter signed by Amaewhule and sent to Fubara outlined the specific constitutional breaches.
This move occurs amidst a political crisis characterized by tensions between Governor Fubara’s supporters and those of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Previously, Governor Fubara had presented the budget to a faction of the House led by his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, resulting in the passage and subsequent signing into law of the budget estimates.
The current standoff reflects ongoing efforts to resolve differences within the political landscape of Rivers State, particularly between the factions aligned with Governor Fubara and those supportive of former Governor Wike.
