Rivers Budget Crisis: Governor denies Assembly’s 48-Hour Deadline

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has refuted claims of receiving a 48-hour ultimatum from the Martin Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget, igniting further tension in the ongoing political standoff.

With the Assembly’s deadline expiring on Wednesday, March 5th, the state government, through Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Tammy Danagogo, issued a formal response to Speaker Martin Amaewhule. In a letter, Danagogo asserted, “As at the close of work on Tuesday 4th March, 2025, we are yet to receive the said letter.” He further clarified that neither the Governor’s Office, the Deputy Governor’s Office, nor the Office of the Accountant-General of the State had received the purported communication.

Danagogo reiterated Governor Fubara’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, referencing a state broadcast on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, where the governor pledged to implement Supreme Court judgments in the best interest of Rivers State citizens. He emphasized that the government’s legal team is awaiting the certified true copies of the Supreme Court judgments, assuring that the governor will act expeditiously upon receipt.

“We have since been in contact with our lawyers who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the judgments of the Supreme Court, and hereby reassure you and all the good people of Rivers State that as soon as His Excellency receives the judgments, he will strive to implement same timeously in the best interest of our people,” Danagogo affirmed.

The dispute underscores the deepening rift between the executive and legislative branches of the Rivers State government, highlighting ongoing procedural disagreements and legal complexities.