RIVERS STATE POLITICS: WIKE CAMP KICKS AGAINST GOV FUBARA’S BUDGET PRESENTATION

A political storm is brewing in Rivers State as the camp of former Governor Nyesom Wike has expressed strong opposition to the budget presentation of Governor Siminialayi Fubara. The budget, which was presented to the Rivers State House of Assembly, has been criticized by the Wike camp for being “unrealistic” and “lacking in transparency.”

In a statement released to the press, the Wike camp alleged that Fubara’s budget failed to address the critical needs of the state, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. The statement further accused Fubara of attempting to deceive the people of Rivers State with a “padded budget” that serves only the interests of his loyalists and cronies.

“We are shocked and disappointed by the budget presentation of Governor Fubara,” the statement read. “The budget is a clear indication that the governor is out of touch with the realities on the ground and lacks a clear vision for the development of Rivers State.”

The Wike camp has therefore called on the Rivers State House of Assembly to reject Fubara’s budget proposal and demand a more comprehensive and transparent budget that addresses the needs of the state.

“We urge the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to do the right thing and reject this budget proposal,” the statement continued. “The people of Rivers State deserve better, and it is the responsibility of the legislature to ensure that the budget is people-oriented and addresses the critical needs of the state.”

The development has sparked a heated debate in the state, with many residents expressing concern over the implications of the budget controversy on the state’s development.

“I am not surprised by the opposition to the budget,” said Dr. Sofiri Peterside, a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt. “The budget proposal is indeed unrealistic, and it is clear that the governor is not in touch with the needs of the people.”

Others have also expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the budget proposal. “The budget proposal lacks details, and it is not clear how the funds will be allocated,” said Mrs. Ibim Okere, a civil society activist. “We need a more transparent budget that shows how the funds will be used to address the needs of the people.”

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the budget controversy will be resolved and what implications it will have for the future of Rivers State. One thing is certain, however: the people of Rivers State will be watching closely to ensure that their interests are protected and that the budget is used to address their critical needs.

Reactions from Stakeholders

The budget controversy has also attracted reactions from stakeholders in the state. The Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed support for the Wike camp’s opposition to the budget.

“We support the position of the Wike camp on the budget proposal,” said Comrade Alex Agwanwor, the state chairman of the NLC. “The budget proposal is indeed unrealistic, and it does not address the needs of the workers and the people of Rivers State.”

The Rivers State chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has also expressed concern over the budget proposal. “We are concerned about the lack of transparency in the budget proposal,” said Comrade Godfrey Okoro, the state chairman of the TUC. “We need a more transparent budget that shows how the funds will be used to address the needs of the people.”

The budget controversy has also attracted reactions from the business community in the state. The Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has expressed concern over the implications of the budget controversy on the business climate in the state.

“We are concerned about the implications of the budget controversy on the business climate in the state,” said Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, the state chairman of NACCIMA. “We need a stable and predictable business environment to operate, and the budget controversy is not helping to achieve that.”

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the budget controversy will be resolved and what implications it will have for the future of Rivers State.