A faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, On Monday, 3 March , 2025, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill before them.
The directive, announced during a plenary session at the Assembly Quarters in Port Harcourt, follows a Supreme Court ruling on 28 February which halted federal allocations to Rivers State until the budget is presented to the Amaewhule-led faction, recognized by the apex court as the legitimate legislative body.
The resolution, moved by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, cited the 1999 Constitution and the Supreme Court’s order in Suit No. SC/CV/1174/2024, which mandates the cessation of spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund pending an appropriation bill.
“The House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours,” the lawmakers stated, emphasizing compliance with the court’s directive.
The ultimatum reignites tensions in Rivers State’s ongoing political crisis, pitting Governor Fubara against the faction loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.
In January, Fubara had signed a ₦1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law, dubbed the “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,” after presenting it to a rival faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo.
However, the Supreme Court’s ruling nullified all actions by the Oko-Jumbo group, affirming the Amaewhule-led Assembly’s authority.
Amaewhule condemned Fubara’s earlier directive for local government administrators to assume control of councils, calling it illegal and contrary to judicial decisions.
The Assembly’s deadline sets the stage for a potential showdown, as Fubara has yet to respond publicly.
The governor, in a Sunday broadcast, promised to study the court’s judgments—expected to be available by 7 March —before acting.
With the clock ticking, Rivers State faces uncertainty as observers watch whether Fubara will comply, seek an extension, or challenge the Assembly’s authority, further escalating the political drama in the oil-rich state.
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