The Rivers State Government has responded to a 48-hour ultimatum from the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, demanding that Governor Siminalayi Fubara re-submit the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The government declared it would not comply with the deadline, citing the absence of an official letter formally communicating the directive.

The ultimatum stemmed from a Monday plenary session, where the Assembly, acting on a Supreme Court ruling, instructed Fubara to present the budget within 48 hours. The decision was promptly conveyed to the governor in a letter dated March 3, signed by Amaewhule. The deadline lapsed today, Wednesday.

However, in a response dated March 5 and addressed to the Speaker, the state government, through a letter signed by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Tammy Danagogo, stated it had not received the Assembly’s resolutions. The government noted that it only became aware of the ultimatum through a letter circulating on social media. “As of the close of business on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, neither the governor’s office, the deputy governor’s office, nor the Accountant-General’s office has received this letter,” the statement read.

The government reminded the Assembly that Governor Fubara, in a statewide broadcast on March 2, had affirmed his commitment to abide by the Supreme Court judgment despite his personal views, emphasizing his dedication to the rule of law and the welfare of Rivers State residents. The letter further clarified, “We have consulted our legal team, who are still awaiting the certified true copy of the Supreme Court ruling. We assure you and the people of Rivers State that once His Excellency receives the judgment, he will work diligently to implement it in the best interests of our citizens.”

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