The Rivers State Government has dismissed the 48-hour deadline set by the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
In a letter dated Wednesday, March 5, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Tammy Danagogo, stated that the government had not received any official communication from the Assembly regarding the ultimatum.
“As at the close of work on Tuesday, 4th March, 2025, we are yet to receive the said letter. Neither the office of the governor nor the deputy governor’s office, nor the office of the Accountant-General of the state has received the said letter,” the government said.
The Assembly had issued the ultimatum on Monday, citing a Supreme Court judgment. However, the state government claimed it only became aware of the demand through social media.
Governor Fubara, in a state broadcast on March 2, had affirmed his commitment to respecting the Supreme Court ruling despite his personal reservations.
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“We have since been in contact with our lawyers, who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgement of the Supreme Court and hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as his Excellency receives the judgement, he will strive to implement same in the best interest of our people,” the letter added.
The Rivers State House of Assembly had given Governor Siminalayi Fubara a 48-hour deadline to submit the 2025 budget for legislative approval.
During plenary on Monday, March 3, in Port Harcourt, Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol moved the motion, citing a Supreme Court order that halted federal allocations to the state until an appropriation bill is passed.
“You are requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” read a resolution signed by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.
“The House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours.”