Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has extended an invitation to the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly for discussions on the state’s budget and other critical matters. This move follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that has significant financial implications for the state.
The invitation was conveyed in a letter signed by Chief Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), and shared on his official Facebook page on Sunday. The initiative is seen as a step toward resolving the budgetary impasse and ensuring the state government can access funds from the Federation Account.
Supreme Court Ruling on Rivers State Finances
The development comes after the Supreme Court of Nigeria, on February 28, 2025, issued an order preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State government until an Appropriation Law is enacted by the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
Justice Emmanuel Agim delivered the lead judgment, upholding a previous ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja that barred the CBN from releasing funds to the state government. The decision also extended to the Accountant-General of the Federation and commercial banks, including Zenith Bank and Access Bank, where the state maintains accounts.
Meeting to Address Key Issues
In a letter titled “Meeting Between the Governor of Rivers State and the Honourable Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Governor Fubara acknowledged the Supreme Court’s judgment and directed the SSG to invite lawmakers for a meeting.
The discussion will cover the following key areas:
- Provision of a suitable venue for the Assembly’s sittings.
- Payment of all outstanding remuneration and allowances for Assembly members.
- Presentation of the state budget and other financial matters.
- Any additional issues necessary to determine the way forward in the state’s best interest.
The meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025, at 10 AM at the Office of the Governor, Government House, Port Harcourt. The letter emphasized that the discussion aims to create a path forward that serves the best interests of the people of Rivers State.
Background on the Political and Budgetary Crisis
The financial dispute in Rivers State stems from a political crisis that erupted in early 2024 following Governor Fubara’s fallout with members of the state legislature.
- Tensions escalated when a majority of the Rivers House of Assembly members were reportedly impeached or suspended, leaving only four lawmakers aligned with the governor.
- Despite concerns over the legitimacy of this reduced Assembly, Governor Fubara proceeded to present and approve the state’s 2024 budget.
- In January 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja voided the N800 billion budget approved by the Edison Ehie-led faction of the Assembly and signed into law by Governor Fubara. The court ruled that the budget was unconstitutional.
- The court also ruled in favor of a lawsuit filed by the Assembly under Speaker Martin Amaewhule, which sought to prevent Governor Fubara from obstructing legislative activities.
Presiding Judge James Omotosho declared that all actions taken by the four lawmakers supporting Fubara were unlawful and of no legal effect.
Earlier this month, the Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the Federal High Court’s ruling that nullified the N800 billion budget. A three-member appellate panel delivered the verdict on October 10, 2024, affirming the lower court’s decision.
Additionally, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of another division of the Federal High Court ruled that Governor Fubara’s receipt and expenditure of monthly allocations since January 2024 violated the constitution. She described his presentation of the 2024 budget to a four-member Assembly as unconstitutional and a direct affront to legal requirements.
The governor’s actions, she emphasized, constituted a “gross breach of the 1999 Constitution, which he is duty-bound to uphold.”
With the Supreme Court’s latest ruling preventing further financial disbursements, the upcoming meeting between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State Assembly will be crucial in determining the next steps for the state’s governance and financial stability.
