In a significant political development, the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, has issued a 7-day ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resubmit the 2024 budget.
This directive was delivered during the first sitting of the pro-Wike House Assembly members on Monday, after the court ruling last week on the crisis rocking the state assembly.
The Assembly’s demand comes amidst a backdrop of factional divisions within the House.
A parallel session is being conducted by a faction led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, further highlighting the internal conflicts within the state’s legislative body.
Governor Fubara had previously presented the 2024 budget to a faction of the House loyal to him. This session was presided over by his current Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, who acted as Speaker. The pro-Fubara lawmakers swiftly passed the budget estimates, which the governor subsequently signed into law.
Fubara stated that the budget is designed to foster economic development, ensure inclusive growth, and tackle socio-economic inequality within Rivers State.
The directive from the pro-Wike faction of the House to resubmit the budget underscores the ongoing political tension and raises questions about the legitimacy and future of the state’s financial planning for the upcoming year.
The next steps taken by Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly will be closely watched as the deadline approaches.