Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has formally notified the State House of Assembly of his intention to resubmit the 2025 Appropriation Bill for their consideration and approval.
In a letter dated March 13 addressed to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, Governor Fubara proposed presenting the budget on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, while remaining flexible about the specific date within March according to the Assembly’s preference.
The governor’s decision comes in response to both the Supreme Court’s judgment and the lawmakers’ request for budget resubmission. His letter referenced a recent unsuccessful attempt to present the budget when he and his delegation were denied entry to the Assembly Quarters where lawmakers were temporarily convening.
“You may recall my failed visit to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, for the presentation of the 2025 Rivers State Budget in compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” Fubara stated in his letter.
The governor noted that despite providing advance notice and delivering a digital copy of his presentation after the Assembly Clerk reportedly refused to accept the physical document, his team was still prevented from entering the premises.
This development follows earlier tensions when the Assembly issued a 48-hour ultimatum for budget presentation, reportedly before the governor had received certified copies of the relevant court judgment and orders.