Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he remains undeterred by the ongoing political crisis in the state.
His statement comes as the Martin Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly, empowered by last weekend’s Supreme Court judgment, issued a 48-hour ultimatum for him to present the 2025 budget to the legislature.
Speaking at the inauguration of new residential quarters for Government House staff in Port Harcourt, Fubara dismissed any fear over the situation, stating that the worst that could happen would be his removal from office.
“No matter how we have been fooled in this state, it has got to the point where the people of the state have decided to take their destinies in their hands,” he asserted.
He further emphasized his commitment to doing what is right, saying, “In as much as I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to make a decision, I will lead the course for that decision.
“I’m not scared of anything; the worst that can happen is for me to leave office. Am I leaving the earth? Will it stop me from existing? I’m not bothered about that. The right thing must be done and said when the opportunity is given to us.
“I assure you that I will lead you with honour, I will lead you with respect, and I will lead you with integrity, knowing that when I leave here, I will have questions to answer if I am called upon 20-30 years from today.
“I want to be proud to defend my position. So, I thank you and assure you that I will not disappoint you.”
Before addressing the audience, Fubara set the tone for his speech by quoting Philippians 3:18-19 from the Bible, stressing resilience in adversity:
“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. Despite everything, victory is sure.”
House gives 48-hour Deadline on budget
Meanwhile, the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly has formally requested Governor Fubara to present the 2025 budget within 48 hours, referencing the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that reinstated the lawmakers.
Fubara had previously signed the state’s N1.1 trillion budget into law on January 2, after presenting it to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led assembly. However, following the Supreme Court‘s verdict, the lawmakers insisted that he must legally re-present it to them.
At its 130th legislative sitting, the House cited Supreme Court judgments SC/CV/1174/2024 and SC/CV/1105/2024, delivered on February 28, 2025, to justify its demand. The lawmakers also referenced an order halting federal allocations to Rivers State and restricting spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund until an Appropriation Bill is properly passed.
A letter from Speaker Martins Amaewhule reminded the governor of constitutional provisions requiring him to present the budget to the legislature. The letter further noted that the House would proceed on a 12-week recess from March 7 but assured that standing committees would continue their duties.
“Please be informed that our resolutions are geared towards a quick fix to the current financial quagmire occasioned by the absence of an Appropriation Law for Rivers State.
“We do not want Rivers State people to suffer. We, therefore, urge you to act fast and do the needful in the best interest of the good people of Rivers State,” the letter stated.
Local Government Transition Begins
In compliance with Governor Fubara’s directive following the Supreme Court ruling on local government administration, the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Mr. Ezebunwo Ichemati, has officially handed over council operations to the Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA), Comrade Clifford Paul.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ichemati expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, saying:
“Earlier this morning (yesterday), I officially handed over administration of Port Harcourt City Local Government to the Head of Local Government Administration, HLGA, Comrade Clifford Paul, in line with the directive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara during his Sunday state broadcast, based on the Supreme Court judgment on local government administration.
“As a people, we believe that government is a continuum and governance at the third tier of government continues with the HLGA and other principal officers piloting the affairs of the local government.
“Though our stay was short, I believe it was marked by beautiful moments and a changed narrative, a departure from what local government administration used to be before our emergence, touching lives and bringing in fresh air to local government administration.
“The reality is that we would not have been able to accomplish so much in such a short time without the positive work environment fostered by the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
“My colleagues and I fulfilled our campaign promises to our constituents. Our gratitude is immeasurable and we are thankful for the chance to serve.
“To the people of Port Harcourt city, your guidance and support made governing a smoother process. We will always remember your contributions to our successes.”
The political tension in Rivers State continues to mount, as the rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, remains unresolved, keeping the state’s political landscape deeply divided.
