Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday forwarded a letter to the House of Assembly proposing March 19 for the re-presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
In the letter of March 13 personally signed by him and addressed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the governor recalled his failed visit to the Assembly on Wednesday to present the bill in line with the judgement.
He said the presentation of the budget could not take place because he and his entourage were denied access the Legislative Quarters temporarily servicing as the Assembly complex despite the prior delivery of a soft copy of the notice to the Speaker after the Clerk failed to accept the hard copy.
He further recalled that before the unfortunate incident, the Assembly had issued him a 48-hour ultimatum to present the bill, although he was yet to be served the certified true copy of the judgement.
Fubara said: “We were simply complying with both the order of the Supreme Court and the request by the Rivers State House of Assembly when we came to present the 2025 Budget on the 12th March 2025.”
“The Supreme has directed that all arms of government should exercise their powers and perform their duties within the ambit of the Constitution and ordinary laws of our country and this we must do to end the lingering stalemate and advance the progress of our state and the well-being of our people.
“No matter the depth of our differences, we believe the interest of the state and our people should take priority over political conflicts.”
He added: “Against this background, it is my pleasure to again notify you, Mr.Speaker, of my desire and intention to present the 2025 Budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly on Wednesday 19th March by 11am or any other date within March 2025 that you may consider convenient.
“Thank you for the kind consideration of my request by the House and please accept, Mr. Speaker, the assurance of my highest regard.”
Also, yesterday Fubara waved the olive branch, urging the aggrieved lawmakers and other stakeholders to create an atmosphere of peace crucial for the implementation of the Supreme Court judgement.
The governor said he is open to “total peace,” stressing that there is no alternative to the apex court verdict.
Fubara spoke during the inauguration of the Grammar School, Okirika, which was remodeled by his administration.
Miffed by the worsening crisis, prominent Nigerians have appealed to the governor and the Assembly to sheath their swords.
Reflecting on the imbroglio, the governor said the interest of the state is being threatened by the protracted conflicts.
