Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that he is prepared to make any sacrifice necessary to protect the state from what he described as “anti-democratic forces,” as tensions mount over his possible impeachment.
Speaking on Monday, March 3, during the inauguration of the Rivers State Government House Staff Quarters in Port Harcourt, Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to the people.
“I assure you that I will lead you with honour, I will lead you with respect, and I will lead you with integrity, knowing that when I leave here, I would have questions to answer, if I am called upon 20–30 years from today. I want to be proud to defend my position. So, I thank you and assure you that I will not disappoint you,” he stated.
He acknowledged that the recent Supreme Court ruling had dampened the spirits of many in the state but urged residents to remain steadfast. According to him, the time had come for Rivers people to “take their destinies in their hands.”
Fubara, who insisted he does not support violence, warned that his administration would not tolerate those seeking to create chaos in the state.
“Since I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to take a decision, I will lead the course for that decision. Let me say it again: I am not scared of anything, the worst that will happen is for me to leave the office.
“Am I leaving the earth? Is it going to stop me from existing? So, I am not even bothered about that. But the right thing must be done, and must be said when the opportunity is given to us,” he said.
READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Gives Fubara 48-Hour Ultimatum to Present 2025 Budget
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has given Fubara 48 hours to present the 2025 budget.
At its plenary session on Monday, the lawmakers referenced recent Supreme Court judgments, including one that halted statutory federal allocations to the state until an appropriation bill is passed.
The Assembly urged the governor to act swiftly, stating, “You are requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended. The House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours.”
The lawmakers also announced plans to amend the Rivers State Local Government Law and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law following the Supreme Court’s nullification of the October 2024 local government elections due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
Additionally, the House reminded Fubara that the Constitution and a Supreme Court ruling prohibit the appointment of unelected officials to administer local governments.
Amaewhule, in a letter personally signed by him, noted that the Assembly would begin a 12-week recess from March 7, 2025, but standing committees would continue their duties.
He emphasised that the lawmakers’ actions were intended to resolve the state’s financial crisis caused by the absence of an appropriation law.
“We do not want Rivers State people to suffer. We, therefore, urge you to act fast and do the needful in the best interest of the good people of Rivers State,” the letter read.