Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is set to present the 2025 budget to the Rivers State House of assembly to the exclusion of lawmakers loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. This move follows a Federal High Court judgement declaring the 2024 budget presentation by a three-member assembly loyal to Fubara as invalid.
The political tension stems from a rift since October 2023, when a faction led by Wike attempted to impeach Fubara. The crisis led to an explosion at the Rivers State Assembly complex, exacerbating the political discord.
Despite the court’s ruling, Governor Fubara has maintained a relationship with the loyal 10th Assembly, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo. He commended the assembly for its cooperation, including approving executive bills and screening nominees for various positions.
Fubara, represented by the Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, at a recent event, assured that the assembly would support the 2025 budget, emphasizing its role in delivering benefits to the people. He criticized the 25 lawmakers opposing him, labelling them as “Abuja-based politicians” who have failed to execute constituency projects for their communities.
Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, at the inauguration of community projects in Bonny Local Government Area, expressed his unwavering support for Fubara’s administration. He criticized the attempt by the Wike-loyal lawmakers to impeach the governor and described it as a deliberate but unsuccessful plot.
According to him, the resistance from the Rivers people and the Bonny community played a crucial role in thwarting the impeachment attempt. Oko-Jumbo reaffirmed that the 10th Assembly would focus on addressing the needs of the people, highlighting that the upcoming 2025 budget presentation would prioritize infrastructure projects in Bonny.
As the political tension continues, Governor Fubara participated in a Thanksgiving service to mark the appointment of Eze Chike Worlu Wodo as the Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council. At the service, held in Mgbuoba Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Fubara spoke about the ongoing political crisis, interpreting it as a divine move towards a new direction for Rivers State. He expressed his administration’s commitment to governance rooted in the fear of God, indicating that the challenges faced have only strengthened his resolve.
The governor highlighted the significance of gratitude, stressing that thanksgiving brings divine assurance and guidance in navigating difficult situations. He praised Eze Wodo for his devoutness, likening the monarch’s enthusiasm in worship to that of King David in the Bible, who danced before God without shame. Fubara emphasized that such reverence and humility before God are what he seeks to emulate in his administration’s approach.
During the Thanksgiving service, Fubara announced a donation of N100 million to the church to support its evangelism work, marking it as a memorial in honour of Eze Wodo. He urged the congregation to continue praying for his administration, underscoring the belief that their prayers have been instrumental in sustaining his leadership through challenging times.
The governor reiterated his commitment to upholding the principles of godliness in his governance, assuring the public that his administration would continue to work in the interest of the people.
Eze Chike Worlu Wodo expressed his gratitude to God for his life’s victories and the governor’s support. At 78 years old, the monarch reflected on his journey and the divine grace that has carried him through various challenges.
He thanked Governor Fubara for appointing him as the Chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council and for the consistent support given to him and his community.
Fubara’s focus on Thanksgiving and divine guidance aligns with his broader strategy to navigate the political crisis. The political feud between the camps of Fubara and Wike has intensified since the impeachment attempt. Efforts by national leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, to mediate and resolve the conflict have so far been unsuccessful, with both parties maintaining firm stances.
As the 2025 budget presentation approaches, the division between the two factions remains a critical issue. Governor Fubara’s refusal to involve Wike’s loyalists in the legislative process could lead to further legal challenges. The Federal High Court’s earlier judgement against the three-member assembly’s actions underscores the fragile legality of the governor’s current legislative backing.
The 2025 budget is expected to focus on infrastructure and social welfare, with Bonny Local Government Area highlighted as a significant beneficiary. Fubara’s administration aims to demonstrate tangible progress in governance despite the political turmoil, presenting the budget as a tool for development and a commitment to the people’s welfare.
