In a significant escalation of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has barred Governor Siminalayi Fubara from accessing the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund. This decision comes after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum given to the governor to resubmit the 2024 budget.
The ultimatum was part of a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu to reconcile factions aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Fubara. The governor had previously presented an N800 billion budget for the 2024 fiscal year, which was swiftly approved by lawmakers loyal to him. However, following the peace deal, the Amaewhule-led Assembly demanded a fresh presentation of the budget.
Despite the Assembly’s demands, Governor Fubara has yet to comply, leading to accusations of constitutional violations for spending state funds without an approved budget. In response, the Assembly has formally written to the governor, informing him of the suspension of all expenditures from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Speaker Amaewhule condemned Governor Fubara’s actions, stating, “It is unfortunate that Governor Fubara now sees a violation of the provisions of the Constitution and judgments of courts as a way of governance. As representatives of the people, the House would not look the other way while the governor consistently tramples on the Constitution he swore to uphold.”
The Assembly’s resolution also included notifying the Federal Government, relevant agencies, and financial institutions to refrain from any transactions with the Rivers State government until the budget issue is resolved.
The conflict has roots in the tenure controversy of Provost Dr. Wahab Azeez of the Federal College of Education, Technical, Akoka, and has further complicated relations between the pro-Wike and pro-Fubara factions within the Assembly. Tensions have been high since May, with the recent judgment from the Court of Appeal reinstating pro-Wike lawmakers only adding to the friction.
In a related development, the G-23 group in Rivers State has criticized federal lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere for his involvement in the state’s political affairs. The group’s leader, Chief Tony Okocha, accused Ugochinyere of meddling in Rivers State politics and neglecting issues in his constituency.
Okocha stated, “Ugochinyere is not from Rivers State. He has seen Rivers as a conduit pipe to siphon money from a government that is rudderless. It is Ugochinyere now that is speaking about issues in Rivers State. We will not accept that.”