By Ayo Kehinde
The Rivers State Government has accused the State House of Assembly of obstructing Governor Siminalayi Fubara from fully implementing the Supreme Court judgement.
The apex court had on February 28, 2025, upheld a Federal High Court order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing Rivers State’s monthly allocations. Additionally, the the court directed the Amaewhule-led faction to resume legislative duties unhindered and invalidated the October 5, 2024, local government elections in the state.
A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, said Governor Fubara had remained committed to implementing the court’s verdict, despite its unfavourable outcome. Rivers State Government Accuses House of Assembly of impeding Supreme Court’s judgement implementation.
The Government accused Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State Assembly of taking uncooperative actions that are hindering the Governor’s efforts to implement the judgement.
According to the statement, “The Governor has been committed to peace and has shown determination to put the interests of Rivers people first. Despite this, the House of Assembly has refused to allow the Governor to fully implement the Supreme Court’s judgement, which includes the re-presentation of the 2025 budget.
“Governor has made several attempts to comply with the judgement, including a statewide broadcast where he accepted the judgement and committed to full compliance. He also ordered the recently elected LGA Chairmen to hand over to the Heads of Local Government Administrations.
“Furthermore, the Governor invited the House of Assembly for a meeting to discuss issues such as the 2025 budget re-representation, payment of accumulated arrears of legislators’ salaries and allowances, and arrangement for a more suitable venue for legislative businesses. However, the House members rebuffed the invitation.
“The Governor personally signed a letter to the House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Amaewhule, notifying him of his intention to present the 2025 budget on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. However, the Governor was denied access to the Legislative Quarters, and the House members alleged that he did not communicate properly”.
Noting that the actions of the House of Assembly will have severe consequences, including unimaginable economic hardships for civil servants, retirees, and the people of the state, the Government appealed to the House to reconsider its actions and work towards implementing the Supreme Court’s judgement.
Meanwhile, former Senator, who represented Rivers South East Senatorial District in National Assembly, Lee Maeba, has urged the lawmakers to swiftly pass the 2025 Appropriations bill.
In an open letter to the Amaewhule-led Assembly, Maeba, who served as senator between 2003 and 2011, appealed to the lawmakers to urgently passed the 2025 budget to prevent the state from being denied its share of funds from the Federation Account.
Warning against delay, Maeba warned of potential shutdown of Government with adverse consequences on schools, hospitals, other essential services, as well as security.
