The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened as the House of Assembly accused Governor Siminialayi Fubara of deliberately frustrating the implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Lawmakers specifically pointed to Fubara’s refusal to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill as a sign of defiance.
They called on the public to demand transparency and adherence to due process rather than allowing the governor to stir public emotions against the Assembly.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Assembly spokesperson Dr Enemi Alabo George disputed Fubara’s claim that he had sent a letter expressing his intention to present the budget.
He challenged the governor to provide evidence of an acknowledged copy, dismissing reports of a WhatsApp message as unprofessional.
George revealed that following the court’s verdict, the Assembly officially requested the governor to submit the budget for prompt approval.
However, their letter was allegedly rejected, and messengers faced violent resistance.
Even when the request was sent via courier, there was no response from the governor’s office.
Additionally, after the Supreme Court nullified certain commissioner appointments, lawmakers asked Fubara to send a fresh list.
Instead of complying, the governor reportedly instructed the officials to sue the Assembly.
He also allegedly ordered government agencies to cut off communication with lawmakers.
The Assembly insisted that it is a constitutionally independent body and not subject to the governor’s control.
George cited the Supreme Court’s ruling, which warned against the collapse of the legislature, arguing that such a move would amount to dictatorship.
Highlighting the lawmakers’ struggles, George said their chamber was burned, residences attacked, and allowances withheld for over 18 months.
Despite this, he maintained that the Assembly remains committed to ensuring governance runs smoothly, urging the governor to act in the best interest of Rivers State residents, particularly civil servants, pensioners, and students relying on public funds.