It Is Unfortunate Fubara Is Disobeying Court Positions – Wike’s Camp Kicks Over Budget Presentation

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has accused Governor Sim Fubara of committing illegality over the presentation of a ₦1.18 trillion budgetary estimate for 2025 to the factional state House of Assembly comprising three lawmakers.

Naijaonpoint reported that the proposed Appropriation Bill titled the “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development”, reflects Governor Fubara’s blueprint for consolidating his administration’s achievements in 2024 while charting a sustainable development path for Rivers State.

Governor Fubara, who arrived at the Assembly complex with members of his cabinet and other top officials, outlined the fiscal year’s priorities and funding strategies.

The development was a repeat of the 2023 action by Fubara, who shunned the 27-member factional Assembly loyal to his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Recall that the Rivers State House of Assembly became factionalised in October 2023 following a breakdown in the relationship between Fubara and Wike.

At the height of the crisis, Fubara survived an impeachment plot by the pro-Wike lawmakers, and the latter also announced their defection from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party to APC.

Since then, Fubara had tagged the 27 lawmakers, led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, as illegitimate, insisting he would have nothing to do with them.

In an interview with Punch, the Rivers APC’s Publicity Secretary, Chibuike Ikenga, said it is unfortunate that Fubara is flouting court orders and not encouraging peacebuilding and development.

He said, “I think the trajectory is a continuum where a case is sub judice and the government of Rivers State is continuing to act in disobedience to court processes and procedures.

“It is expected that having disobeyed the decision of the high court and the decision of the appellate court, we await the final decision from the Supreme Court on who is the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“Our party, the APC, expects the state government to obey the judicial pronouncement and positions and await the determination of these issues before the final court so that we can have a reprieve and begin to develop our state.

“That the government is disobeying those positions is unfortunate and does not encourage peacebuilding and development.”