The political standoff between the Rivers State House of Assembly and Governor Siminialayi Fubara has escalated, with lawmakers accusing the governor of frustrating the implementation of a Supreme Court ruling mandating the re-presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
At the heart of the dispute is a budget that remains in limbo, with legislators insisting that Governor Fubara has deliberately ignored due process. The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Dr. Enemi Alabo George, voiced the Assembly’s frustrations in a statement on Sunday, alleging that the governor is more interested in public sympathy than in engaging with the legislature.
George particularly challenged Fubara to provide evidence that he officially communicated his intent to present the budget, rejecting claims that the governor had sent a letter to the Assembly.
“We were astonished when the governor claimed he had sent a letter requesting to present the appropriation bill. No such letter was received by the House,” George said. “His aides later alleged that they forwarded a letter via WhatsApp to some lawmakers; an approach that is unprofessional and embarrassing.”
The Assembly further accused the governor of attempting to manipulate public perception. “If at all there was such a letter, it was never meant for the legislature but for the public to play to the gallery and demonize the Assembly,” George stated.
The lawmakers expressed deep frustration over what they described as the governor’s refusal to acknowledge the legislature’s constitutional role. According to George, the Assembly had made repeated attempts to engage the governor following the Supreme Court’s ruling, but their efforts were met with resistance.
“In the interest of Rivers State, we urged the governor to re-present the budget so it could be passed swiftly, allowing us to approach the federal government for funds that have been frozen due to the Supreme Court judgment,” George explained. “But our letter was rejected. Staff who attempted to deliver it were allegedly harassed at the Government House gates. When we sent it via courier, there was still no response.”
The legislators also accused the governor of sidelining them in appointing new commissioners after the court nullified many previous appointments. “Instead of cooperating, the governor instructed his appointees to take us to court,” George claimed.
The lawmakers reiterated that the Assembly is not subordinate to the executive, citing constitutional provisions that establish its independence.
“The governor must be reminded that we are not his bondservants,” George said. “The Supreme Court was clear: a state cannot function without all three arms of government. By refusing to recognize the legislature, the executive is governing as a despot.”
He lamented that despite their hardships including the burning of the Assembly chambers, demolition of their complex, and seizure of their allowances for over a year, the lawmakers had tried to move forward.
“But we will not allow the governor to extend this punishment to the people of Rivers State,” George said. “Pensioners need their benefits. Teachers and healthcare workers must be paid. The governor is toying with the livelihoods of Rivers people.”
