Rivers Governor’s N1.18tn Budget Sparks Political Drama in the State Assembly
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, made headlines on Monday by presenting a N1.18 trillion budget for 2025, but the budget delivery was marred by political controversy as it was directed to a factional House of Assembly. This faction, consisting of just three lawmakers, was led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, while the 27-member assembly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and his supporters remained excluded.
This development mirrors last year’s budget presentation, where Fubara also snubbed the 27-member faction, loyal to Wike, choosing instead to engage with the smaller group. His refusal to work with the Wike faction stems from an ongoing political rift between the current governor and his predecessor. In a Monday interview with The PUNCH, members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) accused Fubara of acting unlawfully by bypassing the court-ordered process.
The Rivers State House of Assembly fractured in October 2023, following a breakdown in the relationship between Fubara and Wike. This division was compounded by an impeachment plot against Fubara and the defection of the pro-Wike faction to the APC. In response, Fubara branded the 27 lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, as illegitimate, refusing to engage with them in any official capacity.
On Monday, Fubara presented the N1.18 trillion budget to the three-man faction at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The 2025 budget, dubbed the “Budget of Inclusive Growth and Development,” aims to foster economic stability and improve living conditions for Rivers residents.
Fubara disclosed that the total projected revenue for the 2025 fiscal year stands at N1.18 trillion, with a planned breakdown of N462 billion for recurrent expenses and N678 billion for capital development. He emphasized a focus on infrastructure and human capital development, noting that nearly N31 billion would be allocated to support agriculture and youth employment programs.
Education will receive over N63 billion, ensuring continued support for free basic education, improvements to public primary and secondary schools, and grants for the Universal Basic Education Commission. Health services will see N97.75 billion dedicated to upgrading zonal hospitals and the completion of key health projects.
Additionally, Fubara has earmarked over N195 billion for road and transport infrastructure, while also planning investments in social development, youth empowerment, and sports programs.
While the budget presentation proceeded, the APC strongly condemned Fubara’s actions. APC Publicity Secretary Chibuike Ikenga accused the governor of disregarding judicial rulings, citing ongoing court cases that question the legitimacy of the current assembly structure. The APC demands that the Rivers State government respect judicial processes and await the final court decision to resolve the matter and avoid escalating tensions.
Speaker Oko-Jumbo, in response, praised the governor for increasing the state’s internal revenue and assured the executive branch of the legislative assembly’s support to help achieve the goals outlined in the budget. Despite the political rift, both sides continue to assert their positions in this ongoing state crisis.
