Fubara signs 2024 budget into law, 24hrs after presentation

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers on Thursday signed the state N800billion 2024 budget into law, barely 24 hours after it was presented to a four-man State House of Assembly for approval.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara said that the budget would provide the framework for his administration to undertake notable road projects that would connect communities across the state.

“This budget shows that we have a plan for our dear state. One of the reasons why our budget is in the volume of N800 billion is that we intend not just by desiring, to ensure that one key request of our dear state is met.

“We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President Bola Tinubu to continue to assure our people of hope, so the best of us will be seen by everyone.

“We will continue to protect the interest of our people, do the best for everyone, not minding your position or class. Our government is a responsive and inclusive government. Our eyes and ears are open to the needs of our people. We will not disappoint you,” Fubara said.

Adolphus Orubienimigha, the House leader for the four-man State House of Assembly, while presenting the budget for ascent, said that the lawmakers gave due diligence before passing the budget.

Also the factional speaker of the House, Edison Ehie, said that the budget was in line with developmental goals of the government.

Daily Trust reports that Fubara on Wednesday presented the N800 billion 2024 budget of the to a four-man State House of Assembly at the Government House, Port Harcourt for approval after demolishing the state House of Assembly complex where the pro-Wike lawmakers have been holding plenaries.

With the signing of the budget on Thursday, it was believed that the lawmakers passed the budget in less than 24 hours without the usual committee hearings for different ministries, departments and agencies captured in the budget.

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC), had faulted the budget presentation to the four-man state House of Assembly.

Mr Tony Okocha, the state APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, said in a statement in Port Harcourt that the action was unconstitutional.

Okocha said that Section 120(2) of the Constitution clearly stated that no money shall be spent except it was appropriated by the state House of Assembly.

‘’The presentation of a bill to 4 suspended members of the House of Assembly does not fulfill the requirements of the constitution for all the reasons stated,’’ he said.

In a related development, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zaccheaus Adangor, has resigned his appointment.

Adangor disclosed this in a letter to Governor Fubara, which was routed through the Secretary to the State Government on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

He said that the notice of his resignation took effect from the date of his resignation letter on December 14.

He said that his resignation was based purely on personal principles.

Adangor was one of the cabinet members of former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, who was re-appointed by Fubara.

Aside Adango, two other commissioners in the government have also reportedly tendered their resignation letters. They are Commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly Alabo and that of Special Projects, Chief Emeka Woke.