The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Siminialayi Fubara to resubmit the 2024 budget to the House.
This decision was reached during the assembly’s resumed sitting in an undisclosed location in Port Harcourt on Monday.
The assembly faction aligned with Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory, took this stance following recent legal developments.
Last week, the Court of Appeal in Abuja nullified a Rivers State High Court order that had prevented Amaewhule and 24 other legislators from functioning as lawmakers.
Previously, Governor Fubara had presented an approximately N800 billion appropriation bill for the 2024 fiscal year to the assembly under Edison Ehie’s leadership as Speaker.
However, following Ehie’s resignation to assume the role of Chief of Staff to the governor, Amaewhule’s faction, backed by a directive from President Bola Tinubu amid state crisis, called for the re-presentation of the budget to their assembly.
During Monday’s plenary session, presided over by Amaewhule, the assembly unanimously agreed to issue the ultimatum. The decision followed a motion by Dumped Mao, the House Committee Chairman and Deputy Speaker, which garnered support from attending members.
The assembly also resolved to formally communicate their decision to Governor Fubara via letter.
Meanwhile, a parallel sitting conducted by the Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo-led assembly, loyal to Governor Fubara, saw the screening and confirmation of a Commissioner nominee, paving the way for potential swearing-in.
This development underscores the ongoing political dynamics and legislative actions within Rivers State as different factions navigate budgetary processes and administrative changes.
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