Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is set to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers State House of Assembly.
This marks Governor Fubara’s second budget presentation since assuming office in May 2023, both occurring against the backdrop of unresolved legislative crises.
The announcement was made during today’s plenary session, where Speaker Oko-Jumbo read a letter from the governor seeking permission to present the bill.
Last year, Governor Fubara presented his first budget to a four-member Assembly headed by Edison Ehie. This development followed a mass defection of 27 Assembly members, including then-Speaker Martin Amaewhule, from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection resulted in a protracted leadership tussle, with judicial and political interventions further complicating the situation.
Legal and Political Challenges
Edison Ehie, recognized as Speaker by a State High Court during the crisis, resigned from the Assembly after being appointed Chief of Staff to the Government House. His resignation left the Assembly with three members: Victor Oko-Jumbo (Speaker, Bonny Constituency), Adolphus Timothy (Deputy Speaker, Opobo/Nkoro Constituency), and Sokari Goodboy (Leader of the House, Ahoada West). The trio assumed leadership, maintaining their legitimacy under Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
In contrast, the 27 defected members later reversed their decision, rejoining the PDP and resuming legislative functions under Martin Amaewhule’s leadership. Both factions now claim authority, resulting in dual legislative activities and frequent clashes over government policies.
Judicial Rulings and Budget Impasse
The legislative conflict spilled over into budgetary matters. Judicial rulings, including those from the Federal High Court and the Appeal Court, nullified the state’s 2024 N800 billion Appropriation Bill and halted its implementation. A separate Federal High Court ruling also suspended the disbursement of federal allocations to Rivers State, though this was later overturned by the Appeal Court.
While Amaewhule’s leadership has been affirmed by some court decisions, the Oko-Jumbo-led Assembly insists no definitive ruling has been made regarding the defection of Amaewhule and the other lawmakers.
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