The Rivers State House of Assembly, on Sunday, accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of insincerity in the implementation of the recent Supreme Court judgment, ordering him to present the 2025 budget afresh.
The lawmakers, who are loyal to Fubara’s estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, alleged that contrary to Fubara’s claim to have written the House for budget presentation, they had not received any correspondence from him.
But in an interview with The PUNCH, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Joseph Johnson, insisted that Fubara had written to the Assembly, notifying them of his desire to come forward for budget presentation.
“The governor’s letter was well-constructed, properly addressed, and clearly articulated,” Johnson said.
While acknowledging that the House had adjourned indefinitely, Johnson expressed confidence that the Assembly could convene an emergency session to address an issue as critical as the state budget.
“We have proposed Wednesday, March 19, for the budget presentation. If the House has received our communication, I expect them to create a pathway for this to happen. The presentation will take no more than an hour, after which they will have sufficient time to review it,” Johnson added.
But addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Sunday, the spokesman for the Rivers State House of Assembly, Enemi George, challenged Fubara to provide an acknowledged copy of the letter he claimed to have sent to the House.
He said, “Last week, on his way to an event in Ogoni, the governor stopped at the gate of the Assembly Quarters to speak to the press. During this interview, he asserted that he had sent a letter to the House, notifying them of his intention to present the Appropriation Bill. However, no such letter was received.”
He further noted that the governor’s aides later claimed the letter was sent via WhatsApp to some members of the Assembly, calling this method “awkward, unprofessional, and embarrassing.”
“As I speak, social media is flooded with claims of a letter from the governor to the Assembly regarding the budget presentation. Nothing could be further from the truth. We categorically state that no such letter has been received by the House or its staff.
“We challenge the governor and his aides to produce an acknowledgement copy or any evidence proving that the letter was sent and received.”
The intended recipient was not the legislature but the public, with the sole aim of manipulating sentiment and portraying the Assembly in a negative light,” George asserted.
George further accused the governor of frustrating the Assembly’s attempts to collaborate and resolve the lingering crisis following the Supreme Court judgment, particularly regarding the budget presentation.
“After the Supreme Court judgment, we wrote to the governor, urging him to submit the budget for speedy consideration. Our goal was to pass the bill by March 15, 2025, to ensure we could approach the Federal Government for the release of funds withheld due to the court’s ruling.
“Instead of cooperating, the governor rejected our letter, and our staff attempting to deliver it were assaulted at the Government House gate. Undeterred, we resorted to using a courier service, but still, the governor refused to engage with us.”
George also alleged that the Supreme Court ruling invalidated the appointments of most state commissioners, and in response, the House requested a fresh list for screening.
“Once again, our letter was rejected at the Government House, forcing us to use a courier service. Instead of complying, the governor instructed the commissioners to take legal action against us and directed state ministries and agencies not to engage with the Assembly in any form.”
He emphasised that the Assembly is an independent arm of government, as enshrined in Sections 4, 5, and 6 of the 1999 Constitution, and accused the governor of attempting to dismantle the legislature to rule unchallenged.
“This is a dangerous precedent. A single individual cannot be allowed to hold an entire state hostage due to personal ego. The Rivers State Government, as it stands, is non-functional,” he stated.
George lamented the hardships faced by the lawmakers, including the destruction of the Assembly Complex, attacks on members’ residences, and the seizure of their allowances for over 18 months.
“We have endured immense suffering for trying to fulfil our constitutional duties. However, we will not allow the governor to extend this hardship to the people of Rivers State.
“Public servants, pensioners, teachers, and healthcare workers depend on government funding. The governor’s actions jeopardize their livelihoods. We must all call on him to do the right thing for the sake of the state and its people.”
NBA urges caution
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association has cautioned against dragging the judiciary into the political crisis.
Port Harcourt NBA Chairman, Cordelia Eke, made this call in response to the Assembly’s request for the Department of State Services to investigate the State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, over alleged age falsification.
“The appropriate channel for such an issue is the National Judicial Council, not the DSS,” Eke stated.
She expressed disappointment that the crisis continued to escalate despite the Supreme Court ruling, which many had hoped would bring closure.
“The executive, legislature, and judiciary each have constitutional roles that must be respected. If any party is dissatisfied with a judgment, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms should be explored rather than resorting to political manoeuvring.”
Eke warned that politicising the judiciary could erode public trust in the legal system.
“The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man. It should not be dragged into political conflicts. Instead, all parties should seek mediation through non-partisan mediators to find a peaceful resolution.
“Rivers State is vital to Nigeria’s economy. Political instability will only deter investors. I appeal to all stakeholders to de-escalate tensions and prioritize peace and development.”
