Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has formally endorsed the N800 billion 2024 Appropriation Bill into law, a day after its presentation to a limited assembly of five out of the thirty-six state lawmakers. The bill was introduced on December 13 by Fubara before a four-member House of Assembly, led by Speaker Edison Ehie. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, hosted in the conference room of the Governor’s Office.
In attendance were key dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu, members of the State Executive Council, both current and former lawmakers supporting Governor Fubara, and various Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmen from Local Government Areas.
During his address, Governor Fubara emphasized the administration’s dedication to executing the N800 billion budget, titled ‘Budget of Renewed Hope, Consolidation, and Continuity.’ The primary objective is to channel investments into critical infrastructure, notably the second phase of the Trans-Kalabari road, addressing the socio-economic needs of the community.
The budget presentation transpired on Wednesday, December 13, where Governor Fubara presented the estimates to five lawmakers, led by Speaker Edison Ehie. This followed the contentious demolition of the Assembly complex. The Ehie-led group additionally declared vacant the seats of the 27 members who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaker Edison Ehie and Martins Amaewhule remain entangled in a Speakership tussle, currently under legal scrutiny.
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