Rivers State Assembly Halts Governor Fubara’s Expenditures Amid Budget Standoff

In a bold move, the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has put a halt to all expenditures of the Rivers State governor until Governor Siminalayi Fubara presents his 2024 budget before the House. This decision comes after the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum given to Governor Fubara to present the budget to the House.

The ultimatum was issued by the Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is at odds with Governor Fubara over the state’s budget. The assembly has now resolved that Governor Fubara is no longer allowed to approve or authorize expenditure from the consolidated revenue fund of the state, nor are ministries permitted to spend public funds until the 2024 budget is presented.

The budget crisis in Rivers State has been a major point of contention between Governor Fubara and the Amaewhule-led assembly. The governor had previously signed the budget of 800 billion naira into law after presenting it before lawmakers led by the former factional speaker, Mr. Edison Ehie. However, the Amaewhule-led assembly has called for the budget to be re-presented, citing concerns over its validity and the governor’s authority to approve it.

The political crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for months, with rival factions of the House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule and Victor Oko-Jumbo, convening separate sessions. The situation has been further complicated by conflicting court rulings on the passage of the Rivers State 2024 budget.

As the deadline for Governor Fubara to re-present the budget approaches, tensions are high in Rivers State. The governor’s inability to address the assembly’s concerns could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s finances and governance.

The Rivers State budget crisis highlights the complex and often fraught relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Governor Fubara will be able to navigate the political minefield and present a budget that satisfies the demands of the Amaewhule-led assembly.

In the meantime, the people of Rivers State wait with bated breath to see how this latest chapter in the state’s political drama will play out.