Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has proposed a new date Wednesday, March 19, 2025 for presenting the 2025 state budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly. In a letter to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, the governor referenced his earlier unsuccessful attempt to deliver the budget on March 12, when he and his entourage were denied entry to the Assembly premises despite prior notification.

Governor Fubara explained that a soft copy of the notice had been sent and efforts were made to deliver a hard copy via the clerk, yet the gates remained locked. He stressed that his actions aligned with a Supreme Court ruling mandating him to present the budget and requiring the Assembly to operate within constitutional limits. He also noted that the House had previously given him a 48-hour ultimatum to submit the budget, even before he received the certified judgment and enrolled orders.

Reaffirming his dedication to effective governance amid the state’s ongoing political crisis, Fubara called on all government branches to uphold their responsibilities legally and prioritize the welfare of Rivers State’s citizens. “No matter how deep our differences, the interests of the state and our people must come before political disputes,” he emphasized.

The governor formally requested to present the budget on March 19 at 11:00 a.m., or at a time convenient for the Assembly, expressing hope that his proposal would be favorably considered.

Tensions between Fubara and the lawmakers have escalated since the Supreme Court’s directive for the governor to submit the 2025 budget to the Amaewhule-led Assembly. The situation intensified on March 12 when Fubara arrived at the Assembly Quarters only to find the gates locked by security personnel, who cited a lack of official communication despite the governor’s insistence that he had informed the lawmakers of his visit.

On Thursday, while commissioning projects in Okrika Local Government Area, Fubara appealed to Assembly members to prioritize peace and the people’s interests to resolve the political standoff. “It’s critical that we embrace peace at this stage,” he said, underscoring that a stable environment is essential for good governance. He urged all parties to move past conflicts and fully implement the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025, decisions.

“The Supreme Court has ruled, and we must comply. By God’s grace, we’ve begun that process,” Fubara stated. “I appeal to everyone: let’s consider Rivers State’s needs. Peace and development are what we owe this state. I’m ready any day, any time, for total peace, because governance requires it.”