The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has strongly condemned Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2025 Appropriations Bill to a faction of the Assembly led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, who is loyal to the governor.
This criticism came during the House’s plenary session on Tuesday, where the House’s Judicial Committee, headed by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, presented a Court of Appeal ruling affirming the legitimacy of the Assembly and the Speakership of Martin Amaewhule.
The deputy speaker condemned the governor for disregarding the court’s decision.
Several lawmakers voiced their displeasure over the governor’s actions, with one, Smart Adoki, suggesting that the matter be forwarded to security agencies for further investigation and action.
Speaker Amaewhule expressed concern over the governor’s consistent defiance of legal authority, emphasizing that such actions undermine the rule of law.
On Monday, Governor Fubara had presented the 2025 budget proposal of ₦1.1 trillion to the Oko-Jumbo-led faction of the Assembly, touting it as a continuation of the progress made under the 2024 budget.
He highlighted key achievements, particularly in economic growth and revenue generation, under the ₦800 billion 2024 budget.
