JUST IN: Present 2025 budget in 48 hours, Rivers assembly tells Fubara

The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Sim Fubara to present the 2025 budget for review.

The directive was announced during Monday’s plenary session in Port Harcourt.

On January 2nd, Governor Similanayi Fubara signed a N1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law after presenting it to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers.

The development comes few days after the Supreme Court ruled that Martin Amaewhule and his faction of lawmakers should resume their roles as legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The apex-court also directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold all allocations for Rivers State until it complied with the court’s orders, which included addressing the alleged disregard for previous rulings. Additionally, the court annulled the local government elections held in the state last year.

The ruling put an end to the months-long dispute over the leadership of the Assembly, during which two different groups claimed authority over the legislative body.

In their first session following the landmark ruling, the Rivers State Assembly instructed Governor Fubara to submit the budget he had named the “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development” for review.

In a broadcast on Sunday, Governor Fubara announced plans to conduct fresh local government elections in the state, signaling his commitment to uphold the ruling.

On January 2nd, Governor Similanayi Fubara signed a N1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law after presenting it to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers.

He further instructed outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over their duties to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, March 3, 2025.