The political battle in Rivers State has escalated as Governor Siminalayi Fubara dismissed the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget.
The pro-Wike lawmakers had demanded that Fubara formally submit a new budget, challenging the N1.1 trillion appropriation bill he had earlier signed into law in January 2025.
But the governor stood his ground, stating that he would not bow to undue pressure. He also insisted that outgoing local government chairmen must hand over to Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs), despite the Assembly’s opposition.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Government House Staff Quarters in Port Harcourt, Fubara urged his supporters to remain calm but resolute.
“No matter how we’ve been fooled in this state, it has gotten to a point where the people have to decide to take their destinies into their hands,” he declared.
The Supreme Court had recently reinstated 27 lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, nullified the October 2024 LG election, and froze the state’s allocation. In response, the pro-Wike Assembly members reconvened and challenged Fubara’s authority.
As tensions rise, supporters of both factions have taken to the streets in rival protests. While Fubara’s backers chanted, “No Sim, No Network” in his defence, Wike’s supporters mocked the governor’s predicament.
The next few days will be crucial in determining how the Rivers political drama unfolds.